In response to Murray’s objection, Sasse noted the recent abortion expansion in New York, which contradicted her claim by removing protections for newborn infants. And, in fact, only 26 states have affirmative protections for children born alive after attempted abortions. The Nebraska senator’s renewed effort to push the bill comes on the heels of Virginia governor Ralph Northam’s recent comments appearing to defend allowing some newborn infants to die, depending on the circumstances and their mother’s wishes.

“We are actually talking about babies that have been born. The only debate on the floor tonight is about infanticide. . . . This is about fourth-trimester abortion,” Sasse said on the floor this evening, after quoting Northam’s remarks. “Everyone in this Senate ought to be able to say that the little baby deserves life, that she has rights, and that killing her is wrong.”