Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

119th Congress Introduced by Robert Aderholt and 153 co-sponsors

The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act mandates medical care for infants surviving abortion attempts, holding providers legally accountable for compliance.

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Purpose and Intent

The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (HR 21) aims to establish legal protections for infants who survive attempted abortions. The bill seeks to ensure that any newborn who is born alive after an abortion procedure receives the same level of medical care and attention as any other newborn, thereby safeguarding their right to life.

Key Provisions

Medical Care Requirement: The bill mandates that healthcare providers must take all necessary steps to preserve the life and health of a child born alive during an abortion procedure.

Legal Accountability: It establishes penalties for healthcare providers who fail to comply with the requirements, including potential civil and criminal liabilities.

Reporting Obligations: Healthcare facilities are required to report any instances of infants born alive after an abortion to the appropriate authorities.

Definition of "Born Alive": The bill defines "born alive" as the complete expulsion or extraction from the mother of a fetus or embryo, at any stage of development, which shows signs of life.

Affected Parties

Healthcare Providers: The bill directly impacts doctors, nurses, and medical facilities involved in abortion procedures, imposing new legal obligations and potential penalties.

Newborns: Infants who survive an abortion attempt would be the primary beneficiaries of the protections outlined in the bill.

Legislative Bodies: The bill's passage could influence state and federal abortion laws and policies, potentially leading to further legislative actions on related issues.

Legislative Timeline and Actions

Introduced: January 3, 2025

House Passage: The bill passed in the House of Representatives on January 23, 2025, with a vote of 217 in favor and 204 against.

Senate Referral: Following its passage in the House, HR 21 was received in the Senate on January 24, 2025, where it was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.

Related Bills: HR 21 has companion bills, including S 6 and HRES 5, which may influence its legislative journey.

Conclusion

The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (HR 21) represents a significant legislative effort to protect infants who survive abortion attempts. With its focus on medical care and legal accountability, the bill aims to ensure that these vulnerable newborns receive the necessary support and protection under the law. As it moves through the legislative process, its implications for healthcare providers and abortion policies will be closely monitored.

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