"An Act relating to offenses against unborn children. "

The federal Unborn Victims of Violence Act, also called Laci & Conner's Law, was passed and signed about one year ago. It extends critically needed protection to a most vulnerable segment of society, but only in relation to federal crimes. This bill extends that protection to cover state jurisdiction as well.

This bill brings Alaska into line with 30 other states that already have laws protecting unborn children against acts of violence. These laws have stood up under numerous challenges in the courts on the basis of Roe v. Wade and constitutional interpretations. The federal courts have upheld the state laws in all such cases.

This law will not apply to legal abortions or to normal, customary medical practices related to pregnancy.

It's time Alaska joined the US Congress and the majority of states in recognizing that such crimes have not one victim, but two - the expectant mother and her unborn child.

This bill does that very thing, and I respectfully ask for your support.

# # #