“The ‘house of horrors’ abortion trial in Philadelphia illustrates why Florida’s efforts to abolish infanticide are so necessary,” said AUL’s Dr. Charmaine Yoest. “Protecting infants born alive should be a
marker of a civilized country.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. (04-30-13) –Americans United for Life President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest saluted the Florida Senate for unanimously passing legislation to protect infants born-alive following botched abortions. Earlier this month, Dr. Yoest testified in favor of the measure and observed that it provided Floridians with “real protections for children, alive and struggling for life, who deserve a chance.” She noted that Gov. Rick Scott is expected to sign the bill, which also passed the Florida House unanimously.
“Stories of children stabbed with scissors in Dr. Kermit Gosnell’s Philadelphia abortion clinic and the LiveAction videos released this week show that infanticide is an on-going problem in America abortion clinics today,” said Dr. Yoest. “We also call upon states to enact AUL’s model clinic regulations which require abortion clinics to abide by the same basic medical standards as demanded of other out-patient surgical facilities. Florida legislators are an example to the rest of the nation of courageous leadership on behalf of Life.”
The Florida bill requires that, if an infant is born alive after an attempted abortion, the child must be immediately transported to the nearest hospital and given appropriate medical treatment. A born-alive infant would be entitled to the same rights and privileges as any other infant following a natural birth.
Planned Parenthood initially opposed this bill and notoriously endorsed the possibility of infanticide, in testifying that the fate of a born-alive infant should be left up to the woman, her family, and the healthcare provider. Following the public and media outcry, Planned Parenthood rescinded their opposition.
“The recent statements by Planned Parenthood’s Florida lobbyist illustrate just how fragile even the most humane legal protections for young children really are in America,” said Dr. Yoest.
For more information on AUL’s “Let Them Live” campaign, click here.
