Virginia House Bill HB304

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22
• Report Pass: 2/11/22
• Engrossed: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/16/22

Caption

Abortion; born alive human infant, failure to provide treatment and care, penalty.

Impact

If enacted, HB 304 will change the landscape of abortion-related laws within the state. It emphasizes that infants born alive during abortion attempts must be treated as any other child born in a hospital. This inclusivity in law aims to enhance the responsibility of healthcare professionals, prompting them to provide necessary medical interventions immediately. Furthermore, the bill's stipulations will likely increase legal scrutiny and accountability for practitioners involved in abortion services, impacting how they manage such cases.

Summary

House Bill 304 addresses the treatment and care of infants born alive during abortion attempts, mandating that healthcare providers present at the attempt must exercise professional diligence to preserve the life and health of the infant. The bill aims to enforce strict penalties on providers who fail to comply with this requirement, categorizing such negligence as a Class 4 felony. This represents a significant shift in medical obligations and legal accountability concerning abortion practices, as it introduces specific duties toward a born infant that was part of an abortion procedure.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 304 is sharply divided along ideological lines. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to protect the rights of infants and ensure that they receive the care they deserve immediately after birth. Opposition voices contend that the bill could create undue stress and potential liability for healthcare providers, complicating their roles during sensitive and often complicated abortion procedures. This reflects ongoing societal debates around the issues of abortion rights and personhood.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB 304 include discussions about the implications for women's reproductive rights and the potential expansion of legal liability for healthcare providers. Critics suggest that while the bill is framed as protective, it may ultimately undermine providers' ability to perform abortions safely and could lead to increased legal challenges for medical professionals. The concerns center on whether such legislation infringes upon a woman’s right to choose and complicates the standard protocols followed in reproductive healthcare.