This morning, Gov. Chris Christie joined the crowded Republican primary race. Although he did not advocate for increased protections for the unborn during his announcement speech, Gov. Christie has a solid pro-life record. During his time as Governor of the Garden State, Christie has vetoed taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood several times. Most recently, on the eve of his announcement, Gov. Christie vetoed a “Planned Parenthood stimulus package,” citing his “ethical and moral concerns.” “I have repeatedly stated that every life is precious, and every human deserving of protection.  I take seriously the need to guard against any societal deprecation of the miracle of life,” said Christie, according to the Save Jersey blog.

In March, Gov. Christie told us at Susan B. Anthony List that he was proud of his pro-life beliefs and pledged his support for the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, federal legislation to stop abortions after five months – when research shows the child feels pain. Christie wrote:

I am proud to be a pro-life Republican. I believe that every life is an individual gift from God, and that no life is disposable. When I was preparing to run for Governor of New Jersey there were those who told me there was no way I would be elected as a pro-life candidate.  I told them that they were wrong, that the voters would accept the sincerity of my beliefs even if they felt differently. Today, I am a living example that being pro-life is not a political liability anywhere in America.

I also know that there are areas where all Americans – regardless of being pro-life or pro-choice – can come together. One proposal that brings Americans together is the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which would protect unborn children beginning at 20 weeks, or five months of pregnancy, based on their ability to feel pain. America is one of just seven countries that permits elective abortions past this point. We can do far better than this. I urge Congress to take swift action on this important issue.

What else has Christie said about the issue of life? Learn more here.

Marjorie Dannenfelser is the president of the Susan B. Anthony List, a national pro-life organization dedicated to electing leaders and advancing legislation to reduce and ultimately end abortion.