FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- June 4, 2003 -

STEARNS VOTES TO BAN PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTIONS


HOUSE APPROVES H.R. 760, THE PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION BAN ACT

WASHINGTON, JUNE 4, 2003 - "The phrase 'partial-birth abortion' describes the process employed in this late-term abortion procedure," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "It refers to abortions in which the baby is delivered 'past the navel...outside the mother's body' and then killed by any means effective. Opponents of this ban try to rationalize that if the baby's head and shoulders are still inside the mother's womb that is its worthless tissue to be discarded. This procedure is a violent assault on innocent life."

The House today approved H.R. 760, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. This measure bans this procedure where an intact living fetus is partially delivered until some portion of the fetus is outside the body of the mother before the fetus is killed and the delivery completed. Violators of the ban would be subject to fines or a maximum of two years imprisonment, or both. The bill also establishes a civil cause of action for damages against those who conduct a partial-birth abortion.

"Can we consider ourselves members of a civilized society if we allow by law the murder of a child only inches from being delivered? Life is precious and we must protect those who are incapable of defending themselves," concluded Stearns.





For Further Information Please Contact Paul Flusche at 202-225-5744 or Email.