On February 5, the Missouri House approved HBs 1667 and 2294, introducing the "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act" put forth by Brian Seitz. The measure would grant a child born alive during or after an abortion or attempted abortion the same legal rights and medical care as any other child born alive at the corresponding gestational age.

"I'm glad this pro-life bill was the first to pass on the House floor this session," said Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson. "Missouri has long embraced a 'Culture of Life,' and this bill shows our ongoing commitment to upholding that principle."

The legislation requires health care providers to deliver reasonable professional care to preserve the life and health of the child and to ensure the child is transported to and admitted to a hospital, with mandatory reporting requirements for any violations. It creates criminal penalties for failing to report violations, states that deliberately killing a child born alive constitutes first-degree murder, and authorizes civil liability for actions that cause injury or death in connection with unlawful or self-induced abortions.

The proposals also define who may file civil actions and limit certain defenses in wrongful death and personal injury cases, while clarifying that natural or spontaneous pregnancy loss before fetal viability is not considered an abortion.

Advocates argue that any child born alive after an attempted abortion should receive the same standard of care as any other newborn, and that the enforcement provisions will foster accountability and transparency in medical settings.

With a 103-40 vote, the bill advances to the Missouri Senate, where it is led by Sen. Brad Hudson, R-Cape Fair, for further consideration.

Brian H. Seitz is the Missouri House Representive for District 156 which includes part of Taney County.