Last updated on August 9th, 2023 at 09:00 am
Minnesota has enacted a new pro-abortion law that excludes babies who survive abortions from being counted. The law, which went into effect on August 1, also reduces the medical care requirements for these infants. Previously, reporting forms for abortions were required to include information on whether the abortion resulted in a born alive infant, the medical actions taken to preserve the infant’s life, whether the infant survived, and the status of the infant if it survived. The law now only states that medical personnel should provide care for a born alive infant, without any requirement to preserve the infant’s life and health. Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL) criticized the change and called on elected officials to restore protection for newborns at risk.
This change in Minnesota is part of a larger trend where Democratic Party leaders are embracing legalized infanticide as part of their agenda. The use of the word “care” in the law reflects comments made by former Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, who seemed to endorse infanticide by stating that a discussion would ensue between physicians and the mother in the event of a born alive infant. Other Democratic leaders have also taken a position in favor of allowing abortion without limits throughout all nine months of pregnancy and at taxpayer expense. Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois signed legislation allowing abortions up until the moment of birth, and Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona vetoed legislation aimed at protecting babies born alive during abortions. California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law that pro-life experts warn could be interpreted to decriminalize infanticide.
The exclusion of born alive infants from reporting and the loosening of medical care requirements for them are deeply concerning developments that raise questions about the protection and value of life. This move towards infanticide is a departure from the fundamental principles of medical ethics and the sanctity of human life.