Florida Gov. Rick Scott has signed into law HB 1129 (Infants Born Alive"), the only one of four pro-life bills that passed both chambers of the Florida Legislature during the 2013 session.
The new law, which passed by unanimous vote in both the House and the Senate, provides that any infant who survives an abortion attempt is entitled to the same civil rights and privileges, and the same standard of medical care, as one who is born alive in the course of a regular delivery.
As a father and grandfather, there is nothing more precious or special than welcoming a new child into this world and, by signing this bill, we are protecting the most vulnerable among us and affirming their rights as individuals, Scott said in a statement shortly after the signing ceremony. It took place at Florida Baptist Childrens Home in Cantonment.
This legislation ensures common-sense measures are taken to help care for the babies who survive abortion procedures and grants those infants the same rights as infants who are born naturally.
Senate Majority Leader Lizbeth Benaquisto, R-Fort Myers, thanked Scott for signing the bill, and said it was necessary in light of events around the country, a clear allusion to Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell, who was convicted last month of murdering several infants born alive in the course of his medical practice.
This new law recognizes the need to protect the most vulnerable in society by making sure that every child born alive in Florida is given adequate medical care, she said. This law is more important than ever in light of events around the county. If a child survives an abortion and is born alive, we must protect their life
Freshman Rep. Cary Pigman, R-Avon Park, an emergency medicine physician who introduced the bill in the House, said, I was pleased to sponsor this important legislation this year and proud that Governor Scott is protecting the lives of those most vulnerable.
Sheila Hopkins, director of social concerns for the Florida Catholic Conference said, The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops applauds Governor Scott for protecting the life and human dignity of children born alive during or after an abortion. It is our duty to protect the weakest and most vulnerable in society and this legislation does exactly that.
She was echoed by state social conservative activist John Stemberger.
The Florida Family Policy Council supports Governor Scotts commitment to life and applauds him on signing this legislation, said Stemberger, who serves as president of the Council. We affirm with the governor the first principle that all life, born and unborn, has intrinsic worth and value and deserves to be protected. This is a great human rights victory for the Sunshine State.
Reach Eric Giunta at egiunta@sunshinestatenews.com or at (954) 235-9116.
