President Trump’s announcement that he will sign a “born alive” executive order is being met with approval from the Catholic community.

"Today I am announcing that I will be signing the born alive executive order to assure that all precious babies born alive, no matter their circumstances, receive the medical care that they deserve. This is our sacrosanct moral duty,” Trump said in a pre-recorded video aired today at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast. 

Trump said the order will also direct funding to medical research for premature babies. 

Brian Burch, president of Madison-based Catholic Vote, said the announcement further solidifies Trump’s commitment to protecting life. 

“Once again the President has acted to protect the lives of innocent children, including those who survive the heinous act of abortion,” Burch said. “Regrettably this must be done by Executive Order, because Democrats in Congress have refused to even allow a vote on a bill to protect these vulnerable children. Catholics everywhere are coming to see that Donald Trump is a hero to the unborn.” 

The executive order is thought to be based on the long sought after Born-Alive Infant Abortion Survivors Act. The legislation would require medical treatment be provided to babies born alive during an abortion. It has been brought up several times, but never passed. 

Some have said allowing the practice to continue justifies infanticide. 

Last year, Senate Republicans again attempted to pass the Born-Alive Infant Abortion Survivors Act, but were blocked by Democrats.