SAFE SURRENDER

Its not often there’s bipartisan Republican-Democrat Pro-Life bill, but HB322 qualifies. The bill allows a parent to safely surrender, without prosecution, an infant shortly after its birth to a peace officer, physician, hospital employee, or fire fighter. This bill hopes to help prevent abandonment of new born babies in a manner that would lead to injury or death, like in a gutter, or dumpster, et cetera. I co-sponsored this bill.

Prior to the House vote, I made the following floor speech:

“Mr. Speaker:

I am Pro-Life. Always have been. Am now. Always will be.

This bill is an excellent example of how those of us strongly opposed to Roe v. Wade can find constructive agreement with those who support Roe v. Wade.

People of good will need to expand areas of agreement on matters of great debate, for the good of all concerned. This bill does exactly that, and I support it.”

NOTE: HB322 passed the House unanimously.