WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- President Bush lauded the U.S. House of Representatives for its bill making it a separate federal crime to commit a violent act against an unborn child.
"We must continue to build a culture of life in our country, a compassionate society in which every child is born into a loving family and protected by law," Bush said Thursday.
"Pregnant women who have been harmed by violence, and their families, know that there are two victims -- the mother and the unborn child -- and both victims should be protected by federal law."
Proponents of the move argue it is needed to ensure that the murder of a child at whatever stage of development in utero is treated properly by the judicial system by allowing separate prosecutions for causing harm each to a mother and an unborn child.
Bush urged the Senate to pass the bill, "so that I can sign it into law."
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., has promised to soon bring a Senate version of the measure up for a vote.
