Lindsey Graham in USA Today

On Abortion: Federal crime to harm fetus during an assault

Supporters of the legislation said the new crime is not related to abortion but would protect women who choose to have their babies. They did not use the word abortion in their arguments, and they referred to fetuses as “unborn children.” Rep. Lindsey Graham (R, SC), who wrote the bill, said, “America is deeply divided about government interfering with the right to choose, but that doesn’t mean we consider the unborn child an enemy.” Critics said the measure was unconstitutional and an effort to undo Roe v. Wade, by classifying a fetus as a living being, which the Supreme Court did not do.