Representing North Carolina’s Ninth District                                                                        

REP. MYRICK VOTES TO PROTECT PREGNANT
MOTHERS AND THEIR UNBORN CHILDREN

(Washington, D.C.) – Rep. Sue Myrick (NC-9) today voted for the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (UVVA), which is also known as Laci and Connor’s Law.  This law would protect pregnant mothers and their unborn children by charging those who injure or kill an unborn child with a separate federal offense.

Under current law, an individual who commits a federal crime of violence against a pregnant woman receives no additional punishment for killing or injuring the woman’s unborn child.  Twenty-nine states have passed laws similar to UVVA to correct this injustice.

A majority of Americans support “Laci and Connor’s Law.” A Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll conducted in August 2003 found that close to 80 percent of all Americans believe that those whose violent actions lead to death of a pregnant woman’s fetus should be charged with murder.  The bill passed the House by a vote of 254 to 163.

Representative Myrick spoke on the House Floor supporting this bill on February 25, 2004.  The text of her speech is below.

Mr. Speaker. When a baby is in the womb and someone violently attacks the mother and causes  injuries or takes the life of that child, the offender must be held responsible. 

Current Federal Law is Unjust. An individual who commits a Federal crime of violence against a pregnant woman receives no additional punishment for killing or injuring the woman’s unborn child while committing the crime.

The Unborn Victims of Violence Act protects the unborn child from violent crime.  Those who injure or kill the child will be charged with a separate offense.

This legislation has been called merely “symbolic” by its opponents. But how many women in America would view the loss of their wanted, unborn child through violent means as merely symbolic?

All you have to do is ask the woman who has just lost her child after a violent attack. It’s not the same thing as a simple assault. Clearly, it’s more serious and more emotionally jarring – and it should be treated accordingly.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this rule and to support the underlying legislation.

To see a video of this speech please visit www.myrick.house.gov 

###