Cramer: House Stands for Life

Press Release

On the day of the March for Life Rally in the Nation's Capital, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4712, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This legislation would provide important legal protections for women and babies born after an unsuccessful abortion procedure.

The bill establishes criminal penalties for medical personnel who violate the Born-Alive Infants Protections Act of 2002, by making it a federal crime to fail to provide standard medical care to children born alive during an abortion. It would also apply stronger penalties in cases where an overt act is taken to kill an abortion survivor. In addition, the legislation provides for a civil right of action for mothers of children who survive an abortion to hold the abortion provider accountable.

"As thousands of pro-life activists come to Washington to champion this important cause, I am honored to stand alongside them and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves," said Cramer. "As a father and grandfather, it troubles me to know any child can experience such an excruciating death before knowing all the joys of living. This week the House voted to protect the survivors of abortion and ensure the dignity of life is reflected in our nation's laws. I will continue to work with my colleagues to advocate for the rights of every life while serving the people of North Dakota in Congress."

Highlights of H.R. 4712, Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

PROTECTS CHILDREN AND THEIR MOTHERS

· Ensures that any child born alive during an abortion procedure receives the same degree of professional care to save the life of the child that any other child born alive at the same gestational age would receive

· Mandates that abortion survivors are immediately admitted to a hospital

· Bars women who receive abortions from being prosecuted, and allows them to file civil action

PUNISHES WRONGDOERS

· Establishes criminal penalties for those who harm babies born alive, let them die, or attempt to harvest body parts (up to five years in prison, criminal fines, or both)

· Subjects individuals who commit overt acts to kill a child born alive to criminal prosecution for murder

Source