Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
If enacted, SB204 would significantly alter how laws surrounding abortion and child care are applied, particularly regarding cases where an abortion results in a live birth. The bill affirms that a child born alive in such instances is to be considered a legal person entitled to the protections under U.S. law, which may establish new precedents in both legal and medical settings. This could lead to heightened legal scrutiny over the practices surrounding abortions and their aftermath, placing additional responsibilities on healthcare providers.
SB204, known as the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, proposes an amendment to Title 18 of the United States Code. The bill requires that any health care practitioner present at the time a child is born alive following an abortion must provide the same degree of care they would offer any newborn. This includes the requirement to promptly admit the child to a hospital. The legislation stipulates that any failure to comply will result in civil and criminal penalties, thereby creating a legal obligation for medical practitioners to adhere to stringent care standards in such scenarios.
Notably, SB204 is likely to incite considerable debate among lawmakers and medical professionals. Supporters argue that it reinforces the rights of infants born alive, ensuring that they receive immediate medical care equivalent to that of any other newborn. Critics, however, may view the legislation as an infringement on reproductive rights, raising concerns about its implications for women's access to abortion and the potential for increased legal liability for medical professionals involved in abortion procedures.