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Congress·Passed House·about 1 year ago

Congress Proposes 5-Year Prison Sentence for Doctors Who Fail to Care for Infants Born After Abortions

Also known as: Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
✓ Review
✓ House

217–204

Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • This bill requires doctors and nurses to provide the same level of medical care to a baby born alive after an attempted abortion as they would for any other baby born at the same age. It also requires that the baby be taken to a hospital immediately for further treatment.
  • Healthcare workers who know that these rules are not being followed must report it to the police. Doctors who fail to provide this care could face up to five years in prison, while anyone who intentionally kills a baby born alive could face murder charges.
  • The bill specifically states that the mother of the child cannot be prosecuted or charged with any crime related to these requirements. However, she is allowed to sue the healthcare providers for money if they fail to follow the law.
  • Supporters of the bill say it ensures all newborns receive equal protection under the law regardless of the circumstances of their birth. It clarifies that these infants are legal persons with a right to life-saving medical treatment.
HealthcareCriminal Justice

Milestones

3 milestones14 actions
Jan 24, 2025Senate

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Jan 23, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Jan 23, 2025House

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 204, 1 Present (Roll no. 27). (text: CR H335-336)

Jan 23, 2025

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 204, 1 Present (Roll no. 27). (text: CR H335-336)

Jan 23, 2025House

On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 205 - 216 (Roll no. 26).

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

2025

Senate Judiciary Committee reviews the bill

The bill must clear the Senate committee before it can move to a full Senate vote. If it stalls here, it won't become law. People should not expect any changes yet.

Vote Results

2 votes
HouseFailedAmendmentJan 23, 2025

On Motion to Recommit

205
216
Democrat
205 – 0 · 10
Republican
0 – 216 · 2
View full roll call
HousePassedPassageJan 23, 2025

On Passage

217
204
Democrat
1 – 204 · 10
Republican
216 – 0 · 2
View full roll call

Related News

8 articles
The Hill·about 1 year ago

House Republicans pass 'born-alive' abortion bill

House Republicans passed the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 21) on Jan 23, 2025. The bill requires medical care for infants born alive after attempted abortions. Democrats criticized it as redundant and an attempt to criminalize doctors.

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Anadolu Agency·about 1 year ago

US Senate Democrats block 'born-alive' abortion bill

US Senate Democrats blocked a bill (S. 6) ensuring that newborns surviving abortions receive care. The 52-47 vote failed to reach the 60-vote threshold. Republicans framed it as a vote against infanticide, while Democrats called it a partisan attack on reproductive rights.

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Psychiatric News·about 1 year ago

APA Opposes 'Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act'

The American Psychiatric Association joined other medical organizations in opposing H.R. 21/S. 6, calling it a 'dangerous government intrusion into medical care.' Groups like ACOG argue the bill is not based on science and seeks to stigmatize healthcare professionals.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

Bill NumberHR 21
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(163)
R: 163

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.