WASHINGTON DC – Suburban nurse Jill Stanek's story of holding a 22-week Downs Syndrome baby whose birth was induced because his parents did not want him is one that has haunted Illinoisans for 20 years – or it should have.
Stanek's story this week included photos of what the hospital called a "Comfort Room" – to take professional photos of the babies induced early and allowed to die.
This week, Stanek shared her experience at Oak Lawn's Christ Hospital before Congress as recorded by The Blaze:
But this week wasn't the first time she's told her story. Stanek pleaded with Illinois lawmakers in 2000 and beyond to intervene and protect these innocent little ones. The reaction of Democrat state lawmakers like then-State Senator Barack Obama was cold-blooded and heartless. He publicly questioned Stanek's testimony on several occasions.
The state of Illinois passed legislation symbolically protecting those babies born alive, but when abortion industry groups like Planned Parenthood and Personal PAC withdrew their opposition to the final wording, everyone knew the law that was put into effect was meaningless.
The story went national – and Stanek was on hand when President George W. Bush signed the Born Alive Infant Protection Act into law in August of 2002 – but while the federal law was a first step, it had no teeth to force the babies born alive be protected. That's what GOP lawmakers are now considering.
Jill Stanek contributed to Illinois Review for several years before she was drawn into the national debate. Her story about Christ Hospital is told in details on the Susan B. Anthony List's website – including photos of Christ Hospital's "Comfort Room."
