“This day marks a turning point in America's soul.” Franks said.  “The heartless and arrogant response of the courts, which is sure to follow, will only deepen this nation's growing horror as it witnesses its very foundations increasingly stained by the blood of is own children.” 

“I applaud the actions of our President, this Congress, and of all those noble individuals and organizations like Arizona Right to Life, Center for Arizona Policy, and Concerned Women for America, who have tirelessly championed the unborn child’s right to live.” 

The Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act is the most significant pro-life legislation since 1973.

The following is a speech given by Congressman Franks on the House Floor (October 1, 2003):

Mr. Speaker, you may recall that I stood here in June to tell the story of little Samuel Alexander Armas, the little boy who was operated on at 21 weeks for his spina bifida condition. Baby Samuel's famous grasp of the doctor's finger as he reached out of the mother's womb gave us all a new and profound gratitude for the miracle of life. And now, Mr. Speaker, just this month, doctors in England have recorded the smiles of unborn children at just 24 weeks through advanced ultrasound. I would ask you, Mr. Speaker, without this legislation, how many smiles will we miss having the privilege of sharing? But, Mr. Speaker, an historic day is nearly upon the United States Congress, for tomorrow we will extend the hand of hope to the unborn. We will vote to protect unborn children from this unspeakable and horrifying procedure called partial-birth abortion.  Seven years ago, such a bill was first passed by Congress, but then, tragically, it was vetoed by President Bill Clinton. Since then, unborn children numbering in the thousands have been unmercifully killed by this barbaric, nightmarish procedure. There is no greater mark of shame or disgrace upon the Clinton administration.  But now, thankfully, Mr. Speaker, this Nation has a new President, and President George Bush will sign this bill into law and a new day will have dawned in America. Because even though this bill will not protect the other 4,000 unborn children that die each day in America from abortion on demand, it marks a turning point in the soul of this nation, because it points to a day when that warm sunlight of life will finally break through the clouds and shine once again on the faces of unborn children in this country.  When that day comes, and it will, Mr. Speaker, history and coming generations will remember that it was George Bush and Members of this Congress who found the courage to reach out and take the tiny hand of an unnamed baby and refuse to let go until the storm was gone.