Urges US Congress to pass "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act."
The resolution points out that despite the protections established by BAIPA, there are significant gaps, as evidenced by a lack of penalties for medical professionals who neglect to care for these infants. Furthermore, it notes that as of 2014, only 26 states had laws requiring medical care for such infants, raising urgent concerns about the well-being of newborns who survive abortion attempts. By urging Congress to pass the new legislation, this resolution aims to ensure more stringent protections and accountability for the medical treatment of these infants.
Senate Resolution No. 23, introduced in the New Jersey legislature, urges the U.S. Congress to pass the 'Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.' The resolution highlights concerns that some abortion providers do not recognize infants born alive during abortion procedures as legal persons, leading to inadequate medical care for these vulnerable individuals. The impetus behind this resolution stems from the 2002 enactment of the 'Born-Alive Infants Protection Act' (BAIPA), which provided legal protection to infants but did not hold physicians accountable for failing to provide necessary care to those born alive during such procedures.
The proposed 'Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act' would implement criminal penalties for individuals who fail to provide care to infants born alive during abortions or who attempt to kill these infants. This aspect of the bill introduces a contentious debate surrounding reproductive rights and the legal status of infants post-abortion. Proponents argue that this act is necessary for the protection of infants, while opponents may view it as an infringement on women's reproductive rights and an example of government intervention in personal health decisions.