Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection ActThis bill establishes requirements for the degree of care a health care practitioner must provide in the case of a child born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion.Specifically, a health care practitioner who is present must (1) exercise the same degree of care as would reasonably be provided to any other child born alive at the same gestational age, and (2) ensure the child is immediately admitted to a hospital. Additionally, a health care practitioner or other employee who has knowledge of a failure to comply with the degree-of-care requirements must immediately report such failure to law enforcement.A health care practitioner who fails to provide the required degree of care, or a health care practitioner or other employee who fails to report such failure, is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.An individual who intentionally kills or attempts to kill a child born alive is subject to prosecution for murder.The bill bars the criminal prosecution of a mother of a child born alive under this bill and allows her to bring a civil action against a health care practitioner or other employee for violations.
If enacted, SB6 would significantly impact existing abortion regulations by formalizing requirements for the treatment of infants who survive abortion procedures. Under this legislation, healthcare providers would be obligated to report any failures to meet the outlined care standards, creating a legal framework aimed at protecting such infants. The bill intends to increase accountability within the medical community concerning abortion practices and the subsequent care of living infants.
SB6, also known as the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, proposes to amend title 18 of the United States Code, specifically addressing the standards of care required for infants who survive an abortion or attempt thereof. The bill establishes that any child born alive as a result of an abortion is a legal person entitled to protections under U.S. law. It mandates healthcare practitioners to provide the same standard of care to these infants as they would to any child born at the same gestational age, including immediate admission to a hospital if necessary.
The bill has sparked considerable debate among various stakeholders. Proponents, primarily from conservative factions, argue that the legislation reinforces the rights of vulnerable infants and holds healthcare providers to a higher standard of care. Conversely, opponents raise concerns that the bill could impose undue legal burdens on healthcare practitioners and disrupt standard medical practices surrounding abortion. They also worry about the potential for the law to be used in ways that could undermine women's reproductive rights and access to healthcare services.
Crime and Law Enforcement