Gerald Kleczka: “we all agree that violence against a pregnant woman, where harm is brought to not only the mother but also the fetus, is…”

“we all agree that violence against a pregnant woman, where harm is brought to not only the mother but also the fetus, is a most heinous offense. These acts of violence are tragic and should be recognized by increased federal penalties for those convicted of violence to a pregnant woman. To accomplish this goal, I will be supporting The Motherhood Protection Act, which creates a new, separate federal criminal offense for harm done to a pregnant woman. This bill provides for a maximum twenty year sentence for injury to a woman's pregnancy. Further, it provides a maximum life sentence for termination of a woman's pregnancy. The underlying Unborn Victims of Violence Act (H.R. 503) and The Motherhood Protection Act achieve the exact same goal and provide identical penalties. The only difference is that H.R. 503 includes a legal definition of when life begins. However, medical experts and knowledgeable scientists are still debating this issue, and I don't believe Congress is in a position to make that determination today. Sadly, this serious issue has been turned into an abortion debate, which it is not. The goal of the sponsors of this legislation is to protect pregnant women and the unborn, and The Motherhood Protection Act, sponsored by Representative Zoe Lofgren, accomplishes this purpose. The Motherhood Protection Act has my full support.”