MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2004 Regular Session
To: Judiciary B
By: Representative Fillingane, Akins, Aldridge, Beckett, Bentz, Chism, Davis, Ellington, Formby, Gunn, Howell, Janus, Lott, Martinson, Mayhall, Mims, Moore, Nicholson, Parker, Reed, Reeves, Rotenberry, Staples, Turner, Wells-Smith, Robinson (84th), Compretta
AN ACT TO PROHIBIT ALLOWING A CHILD WHICH IS DELIVERED IN A FAILED ABORTION TO DIE; TO REQUIRE CERTAIN CARE TO BE PROVIDED TO A LIVING CHILD; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) It shall be unlawful for any physician performing an abortion that results in the delivery of a living child to intentionally allow or cause the child to die.
(2) If the child is viable, such child shall be immediately provided appropriate medical care and comfort care necessary to sustain life. If the child is not viable, such child shall be provided comfort care. The provision of this section shall include, but not be limited to, a child born with physical or mental handicapping conditions which, in the opinion of the parent, the physician or other persons, diminishes the quality of the child's life, a child born alive during the course of an attempted abortion and a child not wanted by the parent.
(3) As used in this section the term "child" includes every infant member of the species homo sapiens who is born alive at any stage of development.
(4) Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, be imprisoned for not less than one (1) year nor more than ten (10) years in the State Penitentiary.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.