Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) today voted for a House measure protecting pregnant mothers and their unborn children. By a vote of 254-163 the House approved the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (UVVA) which would charge those who injure or kill an unborn child with a separate offense.

Texas is among the majority of states in recognizing certain rights for fetuses against harm. Under the Texas Prenatal Protection Act, provisions create criminal and civil penalties against people who take the life of unborn children. However, because only 29 states have such statutes, sponsors of UVVA maintain that federal legislation is necessary.

“When a woman is attacked and her child is killed, there is presently no penalty for death of the child,” said Congressman Burgess. “Criminals are getting away with killing children, in many cases, just days before delivery. This legislation puts America back on record as valuing the lives of our children.”

"Many opponents believe this legislation is merely symbolic, but we need to remember that there are two victims here. How many women would view the loss of their unborn child through violent means as merely symbolic?" continued Dr. Burgess. “As an ob-gyn for over 20 years, I believe that life begins at conception. There is nothing like the first time a parent hears the heartbeat of their baby, and no one can tell me that killing a ‘child in utero’ is not murder.”

Under current law, an individual who commits a federal crime of violence against a pregnant woman receives no additional punishment for killing or injuring the woman's unborn child. Over half of the states have passed laws similar to UVVA to correct this injustice.

A majority of Americans support "Laci and Connor's Law." A Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll conducted in August 2003 found that close to 80 percent of all Americans believe that those whose violent actions lead to death of a pregnant woman's fetus should be charged with murder.