Hoosier State Today

U.S. Senators Todd Young, James Lankford, and Jim Banks have reintroduced the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in an effort to ensure medical care for newborns who survive abortions. The bill mandates that healthcare practitioners provide care to these infants.

Senator Young stated, "Our Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act will give babies who miraculously survive attempted abortions the chance to live the life that they deserve." He expressed concern over previous opposition from Democrats and urged support for the legislation.

Senator Lankford emphasized, "No child should be denied medical care simply because they are ‘unwanted.’" He described situations where a failed abortion leads to a live birth as infanticide if no care is provided.

Senator Banks reiterated his commitment to defending the unborn, stating it is essential to protect vulnerable individuals. With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress and a supportive President, he sees potential for this bill to become law.

The 2002 Born-Alive Infants Protection Act established legal recognition for newborns showing signs of life but lacked enforcement measures. The new act aims to introduce expectations of care, hospital transfer requirements, mandatory reporting, private rights of action for mothers, and penalties for non-compliance by healthcare professionals.

The legislation has garnered cosponsorship from several Republican senators including John Thune, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Jim Risch, Cynthia Lummis, among others. It has also received endorsements from various organizations such as March for Life Action and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.