Florida Governor Signs ‘Infants Born Alive’ Act

(CNSNews.com) – Florida’s  Republican  Governor Rick Scott signed “Infants Born Alive” legislation on Wednesday to protect babies that survive abortions, saying the bill protects “the most vulnerable.”

“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.

“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,” he said.

The law grants babies that survive an abortion and are born alive “the same rights, powers, and privileges as any other child born alive in the course of natural birth.”  It also requires health care practitioners to attempt to save the aborted child’s life, and provide transportation to a hospital.

Scott signed the bill at Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, a Christian foster care non-profit in Cantonment, Fla., joined by his wife Ann and pro-life supporters across the state.

Sheila Hopkins, director for Social Concerns/Respect Life of 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.  Thank you Governor Scott.”

John Stemberger, president of the Florida Family Policy Council said, “The Florida Family Policy Council supports Governor Scott’s commitment to life and applauds him on signing this legislation.  We affirm with 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.”

Maureen Ferguson, senior policy adviser for The Catholic association, said in a statement: “We are encouraged by Governor Rick Scott’s appreciation for life in its most vulnerable stage and commend him for signing the ‘Infants Born Alive’ legislation which protects children who survive botched abortions. Such measures are needed today for an industry where Gosnell-like practices have been found rampant.  All children deserve equal rights and dignity under the law.”