Bill to protect unborn victims of violence clears House committee

Published: 2004-01-22

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. House Judiciary Committee Jan. 21 approved a bill that would make it a separate crime to injure or kill "a child who is in utero" during an attack on the mother. The Unborn Victims of Violence Act would apply only to federal crimes of violence, such as kidnapping across state lines or an attack that takes place on federal property. About 30 states have laws offering some form of protection to unborn victims in crimes against pregnant women. Having no such protection in federal law "is unacceptable," said Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, a sponsor of the bill. The 20-13 vote on the House bill followed party lines, with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposed. The House previously passed such a bill twice, in 1999 and 2001, but the Senate took no action either time.

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