National pro-life leaders have issued a joint statement calling upon the House of Representatives to pass a measure that would prohibit abortions in the United States past the fifth month of pregnancy.

The bill, titled the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36), is scheduled for consideration by the House on Wednesday, May 13, the second anniversary of the conviction of abortionist Kermit Gosnell, who was found guilty of murdering infants who survived abortion procedures, and of negligence in the death of an abortion patient.

Gosnell had been charged with eight counts of murder, including seven babies who were born alive and then killed with scissors. The Philadelphia-area abortionist was found to have made millions of dollars over 30 years, performing late-term abortions as state agencies ignored the deplorable conditions of his “house of horrors” clinic.

One month after Gosnell’s conviction the House passed the Pain-Capable bill by a vote of 228-196.

“This compassionate legislation would protect children after five months, or more than halfway through pregnancy,” the pro-life leaders said in their statement. “This is the point at which science tells us the child can feel pain. In fact, doctors regularly administer anesthesia for babies undergoing prenatal surgery.”

They continued:

Two years ago, the trial of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell thrust the reality of late-term abortion into the national spotlight. The ghastly testimony of newborn babies having their spinal cords snipped changed hearts and minds by removing the blinders many Americans hold up when considering this issue. Throughout parts of our country, Gosnell’s brutal actions would have been legal had he simply killed the children inside the womb instead of out. On the eve of the anniversary of his conviction, we urge the House to pass this modest pro-life bill.

Leaders signing on to this statement include:

Marjorie Dannenfelser, President, Susan B. Anthony List

Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council

Penny Young Nance, CEO and President, Concerned Women for America

Jeanne Mancini, President, March for Life

Brian Burch, President, CatholicVote.org

Janet Morana, Executive Director, Gospel of Life Ministries

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life

Kristan Hawkins, President, Students for Life of America

Dr. Russell Moore, President, Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

Michael A. Needham, CEO, Heritage Action for America