Issue Position: Valuing the Dignity of Every Human Life

Issue Position

Rick and Karen Santorum have a special place in their hearts for children with special needs. Their youngest daughter Bella was born with a serious genetic disorder Trisomy 18. Bella won't walk and talk like the Santorums' other children, but her ability to love others is her greatest gift. Since Bella's birth, Rick and Karen's commitment to protecting every life -- born and unborn -- has only been reaffirmed and strengthened. They know that every life matters no matter what physical or mental challenges a person may have. They are committed to fighting to ensure that our country always errs on the sides of life.

While in the U.S. Senate, Rick authored The Combating Autism Act of 2005 which is now law and provides $860 million over five years to combat autism through research, screening, intervention, and education. He also fought for the passage of the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA).

Rick Santorum was also an effective voice in opposition to the Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) that could threaten U.S. sovereignty and parental rights. This treaty could have put our country under international law when it comes to parenting our special needs children.

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