Life Alert™

Curbing a Disturbing Trend

PRO-LIFE VICTORY: House Bill 398: "Murder and Manslaughter, Viable Fetus"

On Dec. 31, 2004, I sent you a Life Reflections that discussed "A Disturbing Trend". The American Medical Association - in a 2001 report - documented that (in Maryland) "a pregnant or recently pregnant woman is more likely to be a victim of homicide than to die of any other cause." Under current Maryland law, violence inflicted on a pregnant mother that results in the injury or death of her unborn child is left unpunished. Pregnant mothers and their unborn children are left vulnerable to assault, even though both the majority of states and common sense agree that our laws must protect them.

In the Leglisative Session that adjourned on April 11, two bills were proposed to help curb this trend. House Bill 699: "Unlawful Termination of Pregnancy" would have guaranteed the legal protection of unborn victims of violence at all stages of pregnancy, but it received an unfavorable report by Health and Government Operations Committee. House Bill 398: "Murder and Manslaughter, Viable Fetus," which only protects unborn children who have already reached the stage of "viability," was passed in the House of Delegates (108-20) on March 26 and in the Senate (36-10) on April 9. While the latter bill is inferior to House Bill 699, it is a large step in the right direction, as the state of Maryland grants legal protection to unborn children.

ACTION: Contact Governor Ehrlich

In order for House Bill 398: "Murder and Manslaughter, Viable Fetus" to become law, the governor must not veto it. Please pray that this bill becomes law, and urge Governor Ehrlich to sign it.

1. To send a pre-written letter to the governor from Pro-Life Maryland's Web site, click here.
2. To contact the governor directly via e-mail, fill out this form or send a message to governor@gov.state.md.us.

Office of the Governor
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
State House
Annapolis, Maryland 21401-1925
410.974.3901 (p)
410.974.3275 (f)
Toll Free 1.800.811.8336

HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE WORK OF PRO-LIFE MARYLAND?
· Click here to bless us with a donation.
· If you can volunteer your time and talents. Internships are available.
· Please pray for our work and for the protection of innocent human life.

Anthony R. Souza, MTS
President & CEO