West STL News

Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) has announced the reintroduction of the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which is included in the 119th Congress Rules Package. The legislation aims to ensure that infants born alive after an attempted abortion receive the same legal protection and medical care as any newborn.

Wagner stated, "I am proud that one of the first things the 119th Congress did was prioritize consideration of my legislation to protect the lives of innocent children. It’s about to be a new day in Washington with a Presidential Administration who will make it their mission to restore respect for the dignity of all life."

The proposed act requires healthcare practitioners present at live births to exercise skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of these infants. This includes providing them with medical care equivalent to what would be offered to any other child born prematurely at the same gestational age. Following these efforts, healthcare workers must transport and admit the child to a hospital.

Additionally, Wagner emphasized, "This cannot and should not be a complicated issue. Every child deserves a chance to live and thrive." She further explained that if babies survive an abortion, doctors must treat them like any other patient by providing lifesaving medical care.

The legislation also mandates healthcare practitioners and hospital employees report violations to law enforcement authorities. It seeks to reduce unreported cases of born-alive abortions by imposing penalties for intentionally killing a born-alive child through fines or imprisonment for up to five years.

Moreover, it provides mothers of abortion survivors with a civil cause of action against abortionists while protecting them from prosecution. This aspect recognizes women as secondary victims of abortion and promotes motherhood's dignity.

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