Boehner is one of twelve children.
Republican Leader John Boehner Chokes Up Receiving AUL Pro-Life Award
Boehner became emotional during his acceptance speech as he talked about his family and Hyde, the pro-life luminary whose name still adorns the annual amendment to stop taxpayer funded abortions outside the health care bill.
"Look, Henry Hyde was a hero of mine," he told the Washington Post.
"I've always believed that life begins at conception. I've always thought abortion was wrong, and speaking out against it was never difficult. It was a moral position I felt very strongly about," he said.
Boehner was repeatedly moved to tears in a video clip of his statement afterwards recorded by conservative writer Robert Stacy McCain.
“This will be great on your video,” Boehner said, drawing laughter.He lost his composure telling the crowd he has 11 brothers and sisters, saying, “I know it wasn't convenient for my mother to have 12 of us.”
“But I'm sure glad they're all here,” he said, as he left the stage, unable to continue.