Bishops want unborn protected

The New York State Catholic Conference has commended the State Senate for passing the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (S.403) and is calling on Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to allow a floor vote in his house on this important women's issue.

The legislation states that when an unborn child is killed or injured during the commission of a violent crime against the child's mother, the assailant can be charged for crimes against both the mother and the child.

Under current New York law, the assailant can be charged only with the attack on the mother.

Peterson case

"The need for such legislation was made tragically clear with the recent murder of Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner," said the Conference, which represents the bishops of the state in matters of public policy.

"After police arrested her husband, prosecutors were able to bring two murder counts against him because California has an Unborn Victims of Violence law. Had this crime occurred in New York State, only a single murder count could be filed."

The case of Laci and Conner Peterson has become nationally known, and a federal law named in their memory is awaiting action.

Risks

Kathleen Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the Conference said that "studies reveal that women are at a higher risk of domestic violence when they are pregnant. By passing this legislation, the Senate is attempting to correct a serious injustice in our criminal justice system.

"When a woman who has chosen to bring her baby to term has that choice seized from her by an outside aggressor, justice must be served. In such cases, there are clearly two victims -- the mother and the unborn child."

Mrs. Gallagher called the opposition of abortion rights advocates to the legislation "inexplicable and contrary to the position of the overwhelming majority of the nation. This law would not affect abortion policies at all. In fact, it specifically excludes legal abortions.

"We call on the Assembly to stand with the majority of Americans and pass this bill. By doing so, they will honor the memory of Laci and Conner Peterson, as well as all women and their babies who have been the victims of violence."

(5/22/03) [[In-content Ad]]