U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, representing Mississippi and chairing the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, has announced her support for a resolution designating June as “Life Month.” This initiative aims to commemorate the Supreme Court’s decision in June 2022 that concluded nearly five decades of federal abortion protections.
The resolution, known as S.J.Res.56, was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. It emphasizes “the fundamental truth recognized in the Declaration of Independence that life is an unalienable right” and urges lawmakers to “defend the sanctity of human life by enacting laws that protect the unborn and provide resources to empower women and families to choose life.”
Hyde-Smith remarked on this historical context: “June marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s history when the Supreme Court upheld the value of human life and returned the power to protect it to the people and their elected representatives. I’m proud of Mississippi’s leading role in the lawful decision to defend the most vulnerable. Declaring June as ‘Life Month’ honors this turning point, celebrates the dignity of every life, and renews our commitment to safeguarding life at every stage.”
The resolution follows the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, which led to overturning Roe v. Wade. The case originated from Mississippi’s Gestational Age Act, introduced by State Representative Beckie Currie in 2018. This law prohibited most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy and took effect following the Supreme Court’s decision.
Several senators are original cosponsors of S.J.Res.56 alongside Hyde-Smith, including John Cornyn (Texas), Mike Lee (Utah), Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Josh Hawley (Missouri), John Kennedy (Louisiana), Ted Budd (North Carolina), Pete Ricketts (Nebraska), James Lankford (Oklahoma), Roger Marshall (Kansas), Lindsey Graham (South Carolina), Rick Scott (Florida), Thom Tillis (North Carolina), Todd Young (Indiana), Tommy Tuberville (Alabama), Joni Ernst (Iowa), Jim Risch (Idaho), Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), John Hoeven (North Dakota), Eric Schmitt (Missouri), Kevin Cramer (North Dakota), Tim Scott (South Carolina), Bill Hagerty (Tennessee), Mike Rounds (South Dakota), Jim Justice (West Virginia) and Cynthia Lummis (Wyoming).
The proposal has garnered support from various pro-life organizations such as Alliance Defending Freedom, Heritage Action, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, National Right to Life, Human Coalition, Heartbeat International, Family Research Council, Students for Life, Americans United for Life, Family Policy Alliance, Concerned Women for America, Catholic Vote, March for Life, 40 Days for Life, National Pro-Life Alliance, NIFLA, Citizens for Life, Christian Broadcasting Network, Focus on the Family, Liberty Counsel Action and Eagle Forum.
