This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
A plan being pushed by lawmakers in Washington state actually would allow "infanticide," according to a new report from a legal team that has announced its campaign to oppose the move.
The lawyers at the American Center for Law and Justice say they have written Gov. Bob Ferguson to urge him to veto Senate Bill 5093.
That piece, called "An Act Relating to Dignity in Pregnancy Loss," actually would strip legal protections from newborns and victims of abuse and trafficking, they explained.
The ACLJ explains the problem. "At the heart of our concern is the bill's repeal of Washington statute § 9.02.050, which criminalizes the concealment of a child's birth. This law plays a vital role in protecting both mothers and infants from abuse, violence, and exploitation. Its removal opens the door for infanticide to be carried out without fear of legal consequence, very relevant in cases involving trafficking, coercion, or domestic abuse."
The organization continued. "By decriminalizing the concealment of the remains of a child who was born alive and then died, it legalizes infanticide."
Then, too, it cancels a coroner's jurisdiction "to investigate the death of an infant after a botched abortion. Specifically, the bill strikes a key phrase from current law, removing the ability of the coroner to investigate 'where death results from a known or suspected abortion.' This dangerous bill effectively legalizes infanticide," the report said.
The proposal would conflict with state law that already exists, specifically multiple criminal statutes, "including those concerning murder, manslaughter, and unlawful disposal of remains."
Under state law now, the report said, "Infants born alive during abortion procedures must be given the same medical care as premature babies. SB5093, however, effectively legalizes disposing of the remains of a baby who was born alive after a botched abortion and removes the ability to investigate a 'suspected abortion,' thereby making it nearly impossible to enforce, creating a disturbing and unconstitutional disparity in equal protection under the law."
In fact, the ACLJ documented, supporters have stated specifically what they are demanding: To block "investigations of certain abortions."
The plan deserves a veto because it only offers "legal ambiguity" and "a weakening of law enforcement investigating authority," will would cancel legal protections now helping infants who are born alive.
