Governor Kehoe Signs Born Alive Act Into State Law

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 999 into law on Monday. This new legislation enacts the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. The law requires medical professionals to provide immediate care to babies who survive an attempted abortion and grants them full legal rights. ^[1]

“The law requires medical professionals to provide immediate care to babies who survive an attempted abortion and grants them full legal rights.”

Legal Rights

The legislation declares that any infant born alive following an abortion attempt will have the same rights, privileges, and immunities as any other person in Missouri. It mandates that doctors and nurses provide immediate, professional healthcare to preserve the child’s life, health, and comfort. Anyone who knowingly attempts to kill such an infant will face charges of first-degree murder.

Supporter Reactions

Organizations and lawmakers have expressed support for the governor’s action. Missouri Right to Life thanked lawmakers for guiding the legislation through the state government. The group stated, “The most vulnerable among us deserve every opportunity to thrive. This legislation ensures that babies who survive attempted abortions receive the same level of medical care as any other newborn, giving them the chance at life every child deserves.”

“Anyone who knowingly attempts to kill such an infant will face charges of first-degree murder.”

Representative Brian Seitz of Branson sponsored the measure in the House. He called the legislation common sense. Seitz noted, “This legislation protects infants, and it protects women.”

Legislative Process

The bill made its way through the legislature earlier this year. It first received approval from the Missouri Senate. Following that, the House of Representatives passed the measure on May 13, then sent it to the governor’s desk for his final signature.