BRANSON – The Missouri House this week passed HBs 1667 and 2294, legislation that would establish the "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act," requiring that a child born alive during or after an abortion or attempted abortion be afforded the same legal rights and medical care as any other child born alive at the same gestational age.

"I'm gratified that this piece of pro-life legislation was the first bill passed on the House floor this session," Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, said. "Missouri has long held a 'Culture of Life' and this bill demonstrates our continued effort to establish that."

The legislation mandates that health care providers exercise reasonable professional care to preserve the life and health of the child and ensure the child is transported to and admitted to a hospital, with mandatory reporting requirements of violations. The bills create criminal penalties for failure to report violations, establish that intentionally killing a child born alive constitutes first-degree murder, and authorize civil liability for conduct that causes injury or death in connection with unlawful or self-induced abortions.

The proposals also specify who may bring civil actions and limit certain defenses in wrongful death and personal injury claims, while clarifying that natural and spontaneous pregnancy loss before fetal viability is not considered an abortion.

Supporters say that any child born alive following an attempted abortion should receive the same standard of care as any other newborn and that the enforcement provisions promote accountability and transparency in medical settings.

With a vote of 103-40, the bill now heads to the Missouri Senate, where it is carried by Sen. Brad Hudson, R-Cape Fair, for further consideration.

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Brian H. Seitz represents District 156 in the Missouri House of Representatives, which includes part of Taney County.

The above press release is from the office of Representative Seitz.