CONTACT: Rep. Jim Steineke
(608) 266-2418
MADISON – Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) was joined by legislative colleagues and Wisconsinites from every corner of the state today to testify in support of the Born Alive Abortion Survivor legislation. Rep. Steineke authored Assembly Bill 179 with Senate President Roger Roth (R-Appleton) in order to ensure infants born after a botched abortion receive comprehensive care. The legislation received public hearings in the Assembly Committee on Health this morning and the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety this afternoon.
“I was shocked to hear that we have no state laws that tell medical providers how they should act towards born alive abortion survivors,” said Rep. Steineke. “Making this clarification for healthcare providers to provide the same care as they would any other infant is such a simple step that could save babies’ lives.”
Before the legislation received its public hearings, Governor Evers indicated that signing the bill would not be a “productive use of time.” Assembly Bill 179 directs health care providers to exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve a born alive abortion survivor’s life, requires health care providers to report to a law enforcement agency if they have knowledge of non-compliance towards born alive children, allows women to bring claims for damages in these instances, and ensures the Department of Justice can enforce the provisions. Currently, there are no state laws to address these issues.
“Although the governor doesn’t see protecting our most vulnerable Wisconsinites as productive, it’s clear from the testimony today that people from every corner of the state do,” continued Rep. Steineke. “I was proud to stand up for the rights of babies today, and look forward to delivering the legislation to Governor Evers desk.”