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Congress·Passed House·H.R. 21

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

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

Legislative Progress

House

217204

Senate
President
Law

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

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Healthcare practitioners who fail to provide the required standard of care to infants born alive after an abortion could face up to 5 years in prison and fines. Anyone who intentionally kills such an infant would face murder charges. These are new federal criminal penalties that could result in criminal records for healthcare workers convicted under this law.

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ImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Milestones

3 milestones14 actions
Jan 24, 2025Senate

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

Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.

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)

The House of Representatives voted to approve this bill. It now goes to the Senate.

Jan 23, 2025House

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

Vote Results

2 votes
HouseFailedAmendmentJan 23, 2025

On Motion to Recommit

205
216
Democrat
2050 · 10
Republican
0216 · 2
View full roll call
HousePassedPassageJan 23, 2025

On Passage

217
204
Democrat
1204 · 10
Republican
2160 · 2
View full roll call

News

NewsRight

New Dem star's quick hard-left turn after 'moderate' campaign won her coveted response to Trump: Lawmaker

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. Always verify with official sources.