    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [February 26, 2004]
    [Page 283]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Passage of Legislation To Protect
    Unborn Victims of Violence
    February 26, 2004

        I applaud the House for passing the ``Unborn Victims of Violence
    Act'' today by a strong bipartisan vote. We must continue to build a
    culture of life in our country, a compassionate society in which every
    child is born into a loving family and protected by law.
        Pregnant women who have been harmed by violence, and their families,
    know that there are two victims--the mother and the unborn child--and
    both victims should be protected by Federal law.
        I urge the Senate to pass this bill so that I can sign it into law.

    Note: The statement referred to H.R. 1997.