Louise Slaughter: “I strongly oppose the modified closed rule on H.R. 2436. On an issue as important as this, we should hear the voice of…”

“I strongly oppose the modified closed rule on H.R. 2436. On an issue as important as this, we should hear the voice of every Member of the House without the limitations imposed by the majority on the committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the underlying bill, the so-called Unborn Victims of Violence Act. This dangerous legislation would establish penalties for those who harm or terminate a pregnancy at any stage of development, either knowingly or unknowingly, while committing a Federal crime. This bill would create the first Federal law that recognizes a fertilized egg an independent victim of a crime and gives it the same legal right as people who are born. The bill marks a major departure from existing Federal law and threatens to erode the foundations of the right to choose as recognized in the 1973 Roe versus Wade decision. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, should the Senate take up this bill, which is most unlikely, it will be vetoed. Under H.R. 2436, the fetus has the same or more legal status as the pregnant woman. Recognizing the fetus as having the same legal rights independent of the pregnant woman makes it possible to use those rights against her.”