Statement by Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

UNBORN VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ACT

February 26, 2004

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the so-called Unborn Victims of Violence Act, H.R. 1997. Proponents of this bill claim this bill addresses violence against pregnant women.

Let's be honest here. H.R. 1997 is not an anti-crime bill, it is an anti-choice bill. This bill does not address the women who are victims of violence. In fact, this bill makes no mention of the woman and the harm to her that results from an involuntary termination of her pregnancy.

Legislation that truly addresses the devastation of a pregnancy lost due to a violent crime should focus on the attack on the woman and resulting harm to her fetus, as does the amendment offered by my friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Zoe Lofgren).

I rise in support of this amendment, as it ensures efficient prosecution of the criminal wrongdoer and would not undermine the legal principles underlying a woman's right to choose.

Mr. Speaker, if what we are trying to do is protect pregnant women, then let us protect them.

Let us not insult the intelligence of women in this country by attacking their rights under the guise of protecting unborn fetuses.

The Venice Family Clinic and Westside Family Health Center, both located in my district, have programs in place that identify pregnant women at risk of domestic violence and work closely with the family throughout the pregnancy and for at least 1 year after the baby is born. These programs have had positive results at reducing domestic violence before it occurs.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this amendment and rise in opposition to the underlying bill.