[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 41 (Monday, April 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               H.R. 2715

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 15, 2002

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2715, the Born-Alive Infants Protection 
Act, is a simple bill that ensures that all infants who are born alive 
are entitled to the same protections we all share under federal law.
  This bill says that if a child is born and is showing signs of life, 
this child is entitled to the full protection of law. We are talking 
about babies who are breathing, have a beating heart, or whose muscles 
are moving. These children are our future and deserve to have every 
opportunity to embrace the privileges that were granted to each of us.
  I believe that life begins at conception, and a child exhibiting 
these signs of a living, breathing little boy or girl should receive 
the full protection of law, rather than being left to die a horrible 
death. I am extremely saddened that today in Congress we have to debate 
this legislation. What is happening in America that these precious, 
innocent children are born alive and not protected by the law?
  The right in our society to terminate a human life is a grave threat 
to human principles. It is the most vulnerable members of our society, 
our newborn children, who fall victim to this fundamental 
legitimatization of infanticide. I believe all children should be 
welcome and protected under the law.
  I was a co-sponsor and strong supporter of this legislation. I 
commend the House for passing H.R. 2715, the Born-Alive Infants 
Protection Act and I urge the Senate to take swift action on this 
legislation.

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