Jim Ryun: “one thing that makes America great is its longstanding tradition to defend those incapable of defending themselves. Our…”

“one thing that makes America great is its longstanding tradition to defend those incapable of defending themselves. Our Founding Fathers acknowledged the proverb to ``Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.'' It is our duty to stand up for the weaker members of society, and I believe the Unborn Victims of Violence Act does just that. Currently, when someone commits a crime in which a woman and her preborn baby are harmed, the accused can only be prosecuted for harm to the mother. This sends the wrong message. It says there is only one victim in this situation, and nothing could be further from the truth. There are two victims harmed in this crime, the mother and her preborn baby. My colleagues who oppose this bill want to offer a substitute that would recognize the mother as a victim, but not the baby. I would like to remind them again that half the States do not agree; fully 24 have homicide laws that recognize unborn victims.”