U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) Thursday spoke on the House floor in support of the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 962), legislation that would prohibit infanticide and ensure babies born alive after abortion attempts receive the same medical care and legal protections as babies born any other way.
“Unfortunately, H.R. 962 is needed more than ever with the passage of a radical law in New York state that essentially legalizes infanticide,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “That law allows abortions up to and even after birth and ends safeguards that protect babies born alive after failed abortions. Similar bills are being debated in states like Virginia, where the governor spoke of making newborns comfortable while doctors and patients decide if they should be left to die. We must stand up against this radical legislation and protect the rights of all infants. This is not a partisan issue. It is simply what’s right.”
H.R. 962 would:
- Require that health care practitioners who are present at the live birth exercise skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child—the same degree of care that would be offered to any other child born prematurely the same gestational age. After those efforts, the health care workers must transport and admit the child to a hospital.
- Require health care practitioners and hospital employees to report violations to law enforcement authorities, reducing the number of born-alive abortions that go unreported.
- Penalize the intentional killing of a born-alive child through fines or up to 5 years imprisonment.
- Give the mother of the abortion survivor a civil cause of action and protection from prosecution, recognizing that women are the second victims of abortion and promoting the dignity of motherhood.
Walorski is an original co-sponsor of the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Video of her speech on the House floor is available here.
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
