Last week, I introduced Senate Bill 388 on the Senate floor. This legislation creates the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.” Under this proposal, a person who knowingly causes the death of a child who was born during or immediately after an attempted abortion can be charged with murder in the second degree. Similarly, a person who recklessly causes the death of a child born after an attempted abortion can be charged with involuntary manslaughter in the first degree. Additionally, a person who, with criminal negligence, causes the death of a child born after an attempted abortion can be charged with involuntary manslaughter in the second degree. This legislation also allows parents and siblings of the deceased or unborn child to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against a person who unlawfully performs or induces an abortion or attempts to perform or induce an abortion.
Unfortunately, there is a very real need for lawmakers to enact this type of legislation. Eight years ago, a doctor named Kermit Gosnell was arrested in Pennsylvania in connection to the deaths of seven babies born alive after attempted abortions, the death of a patient and several other felony counts of performing illegal abortions. Infants who are born are the most vulnerable in our society and should be protected by law from losing their life, regardless of the circumstances of their birth. I filed this legislation to save the lives of infants who survive an attempted abortion. I believe protecting their right to life must be one of our top priorities.
Regrettably, across the country, various states and state officials have chosen to pass or support laws that make infanticide legal and allow late term abortion. I want to make it clear, I believe that life begins at conception, and I will fight to protect the lives of children. Life is a precious gift from our Creator. We must make every effort to ensure that we protect life in Missouri. I believe SB 388 is a good start to make it clear that Missouri will not abide by these evil actions.
I look forward to the opportunity to present this bill before a committee so that I may discuss its merits with my fellow senators. I am hopeful that this bill will move quickly through the legislative process and reach the governor’s desk before the end of the legislative session.
Please visit Sen. Burlison’s official Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/burlison for more legislative and constituent resources.