Violence Against Unborn Bill Advances
WASHINGTON, DC, Mar. 22, 01 (CWNews.com) - A bill that
would make it a felony to injure an unborn child during a
violent crime advanced in the US House of Representatives
on Wednesday after it was approved by a key subcommittee.
The bill, approved by voice vote in the Judiciary
Committee's subcommittee on the Constitution, is likely to
clear the House, which passed a similar measure last year
by a 254-172 vote. Its fate is less certain in the Senate
which is evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats.
Democrats contend the bill is really about abortion,
establishing the unborn child as a legal person. "This bill
offers no additional protection for pregnant
women," said Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Virginia. "This bill
serves no purpose other than to engage members in a
discussion of when life begins."
"This is not about abortion rights or Roe v. Wade," said
Rep. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, the measure's
sponsor. He noted that the House voted overwhelmingly last
year to prohibit states from executing a pregnant woman.
"Violent criminals should face the harshest possible
consequences when they harm these innocent children," said
Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, chairman of the subcommittee on
the Constitution.
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March 23, 2001
volume 12, no. 82
Pro Life News
www.DailyCatholic.org
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