Blackburn Draft Legislation to Protect Born-Alive Infants Reviewed Tomorrow

Another abhorrent Planned Parenthood video was released this week as House Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) authored draft legislation to strengthen and improve the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002. The discussion draft, which will strengthen enforcement against providers who violate the existing law, will be reviewed tomorrow at the Health Subcommittee hearing on "Protecting Infants: Ending Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Providers Who Violate the Law."

"Videos released over the past several weeks have shaken and startled compassionate Americans across the country. The content of these videos is despicable and difficult to watch. As we move forward at the Energy and Commerce Committee with a thorough investigation, I am pleased we are also taking concrete steps to strengthen existing laws that will help protect the lives of babies," Blackburn said.

Blackburn's bill will ban any provider proven of violating the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002 from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP. Additionally, it will allow states that suspect any violation of these existing laws to ban those suspected from the state's Medicaid program.

Among the witnesses for Thursday's hearing are Charmaine Yoest, President of Americans United for Life, Casey Mattox, Senior Counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, and attorney Judy Waxman. Additional hearing materials will be made available online here.

Source