House Passes Three Emotion-charged Bills
Born-Alive Infants Protection Act (H.R. 4292)
(Read the bill via Library of Congress)
Passed by a vote of 380-15 (3 Voting Present)
Also See:Purpose: Directs that, in determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various U.S. administrative bureaus and agencies, the words "person," "human being," "child," and "individual" shall include every infant member of the species homo sapiens who is born alive (as defined in the Act) at any stage of development. (Source: CRS Summary)
The bill speaks directly to the recent Supreme Court ruling in the case of Stenberg v. Carhart in which the Supreme Court issued a 5-4 ruling striking down as unconstitutional a state law prohibiting the procedure referred to as a "partial birth abortion" in the state of Nebraska. The bill, even if passed by the Senate and signed by President Clinton may have little real effect as existing federal and state laws already define "born alive" and address the rights of newborns.
The bill is intended, according to its supporters, to ensure that every protection of any child or person now provided by existing laws also applies to infants meeting the law's definition of "born-alive."
The bill defines "born alive" as follows:
As used in this section, the term "born alive", with respect to a member of the species homo sapiens, means the complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of that member, at any stage of development, who after such expulsion or extraction breathes or has a beating heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, regardless of whether the umbilical cord has been cut, and regardless of whether the expulsion or extraction occurs as a result of natural or induced labor, cesarean section, or induced abortion.
This definition is similar to that used in abortion-related laws in 35 states
The actual purpose for this bill seemed to confuse lawmakers.
Rep. John Conyers (D-Michigan), who led yesterday's debate against the bill stated, "Mr. Speaker, we have before us a measure which is one of the most puzzling bits of legislation to ever come out of the Committee on the Judiciary. To make it more interesting, the entire committee has supported this measure on a recorded vote except one person, one member of the committee." Later in debate, Rep. Conyers added, "Most of us believe that this bill is probably unnecessary for the simple reason that born-alive infants are already protected by existing law." After which, Rep. Conyers and 379 other Members voted for the bill.
Some Members of the House suggested that the bill was put forth by pro-life backers in order to force pro-choice members to support at least one piece of anti-abortion legislation before the November election. If that was the case, for whatever it's worth the plan worked as many pro-choice Members voted for the bill.
Bill Status: Not yet considered by Senate -- This bill may not be considered by the Senate this session.
Born Alive Bill Passes House (Pro-life View)
The House has passed a bill requiring doctors to give babies born alive during botched abortions the same care and protections as other babies. Analysis of this bill by Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.
Discuss this issue: Click here to discuss partial-birth abortions
Supreme Court Strikes Anti-Abortion Law
The U.S. Supreme Court issues a 5-4 ruling striking down as unconstitutional a state law prohibiting partial-birth abortions in the state of Nebraska. From your About Guide.Why Carhart is a Travesty
The Supreme Court's ruling in Carhart's partial birth abortion case is not only a travesty of justice, it's a travesty of common sense. From Pro-life Guide Christina Dunigan.Supreme Court Wrapup: June 2000 - partial birth abortion
Despite the California Medical Board's rush to judgment, experts reviewing the evidence say Dr. Bruce Steir did not murder Sharon Hamptlon. From Pro-choice Guide Margaret Sykes.
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