We are deeply dismayed and astounded that the U.S. Senate has
failed to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (S. 311). It is
a matter of common sense and basic human decency to require, as S. 311 would
have, that any health care practitioner present when a child is born alive
following an abortion give the same degree of care to preserve the life and
health of the child as would be given to any other newborn. That this bill did
not pass unanimously – let alone even pass at all – is appalling and beyond
comprehension. We are dismayed and outraged that Virginia’s U.S. Senators
Warner and Kaine voted against this critical lifesaving legislation.
We urge the Senate to reconsider its decision as soon as
possible.
This joint statement has been issued by Most
Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, and Most Reverend Barry C.
Knestout, Bishop of Richmond.
© Arlington Catholic Herald 2019