Suffolk News-Herald

House Representatives Melissa Hart (PA), Steve Chabot (OH), Bob Ney (OH), and Randy Forbes (VA-04) have introduced the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003. This bill would protect unborn children who are victims of acts of violence. This would hold criminals liable for injuring or killing an unborn child during the commission of a federal crime.

&uot;All life is very precious, and deserves our respect and protection,&uot; Forbes said. &uot;As a sponsor of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003, I firmly believe that anyone who commits a violent crime against a pregnant mother should also be held accountable for a violent crime against the unborn child.&uot;

The law states that when an unborn child is injured or killed by a violent criminal, federal law only recognizes one victim – even when the criminal purposefully targets the child.

Specifically, the legislation would allow for a separate offense if an unborn child was injured or killed while a violent crime was being committed against a pregnant mother.

While serving in the Virginia General Assembly in 1998, Forbes sponsored similar legislation to protect unborn victims of violence. As a member of Congress who serves on the House Committee on Judiciary, Forbes actively continues his commitment to ensuring the protection of both the mother and her unborn child.

&uot;This legislation is important to the safety and well-being of our nation’s unborn children,&uot; Forbes said.

&uot;This bill needs to pass and be signed into law so that anyone who takes the life of a mother, and her unborn child will be prosecuted for taking two lives – not just one.&uot;

The Senate is soon expected to vote on this legislation.