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Bill

SB 277

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BORN-ALIVE INFANT PROTECTION ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elaine Morgan and 1 co-sponsor

Bill mandates life-sustaining medical care for infants born alive during abortion or premature delivery, establishing reporting requirements and potential provider liability.

02/13/2025 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
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Bill Summary · SB 277

Legislative bill overview

SB 277, known as the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, establishes legal requirements for the care and treatment of infants who are born alive during an abortion procedure or who are delivered prematurely. The bill mandates that healthcare providers must provide life-sustaining medical care and treatment to such infants and requires reporting of such cases to appropriate authorities.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses a narrow but emotionally charged scenario involving infants born alive in medical settings. The bill's passage would establish specific legal obligations for healthcare providers in these circumstances and create potential criminal or civil liability for non-compliance, affecting medical practice standards across Rhode Island healthcare facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical autonomy vs. legal mandates: Disagreement over whether legislators should dictate specific medical protocols that physicians typically determine based on individual circumstances, medical judgment, and patient/family wishes
  • Existing law clarity: Debate over whether current Rhode Island and federal law (including the federal Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002) already requires this care, making the bill redundant or if gaps genuinely exist
  • Abortion debate intersection: The bill intersects with broader abortion access debates, with supporters viewing it as protecting vulnerable infants and opponents viewing it as restricting reproductive rights and second-guessing medical providers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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