PROGRESS CONTINUES IN STATE LEGISLATURES.(Brief Article)

As NRL News goes to press, most state legislatures are wrapping up their sessions. Heading the good news is the passage in three states of Unborn Victims of Violence Acts.

"It's important that Idaho, Nebraska, and Utah passed laws recognizing unborn victims of violence," said Mary Spaulding Balch, NRLC director of state legislation. "These laws recognize that when a criminal attacks a woman who is carrying an unborn child, he claims two human victims."

Balch also emphasized that the growing acceptability of these laws is based on the power of science to illuminate the humanity of the formerly invisible passenger. "The best that opponents can muster up as an alternative is to increase the penalty for injuring the mother, as if somehow the hurt or death happens to her `pregnancy' and not to her unborn baby."

As is the case with much pro-life legislation, passage often follows an opportunity to speak publicly. "When legislators hear the stories of families who have not only lost a wife or daughter but also a grandchild, it has tremendous impact," she said. The testimony of police officers, outraged that the criminal offender pays no price for taking the child's life, also carries weight with lawmakers, she said.

Despite ferocious opposition nationwide, it appears one more "Women's Right to Know" laws will be added to the books. The measure passed the Alabama Senate this session, after passing the House earlier. If the measure makes it to Gov. Don Siegelman's desk, he will sign it, Balch said.

"These are the kinds of unglamorous but highly effective laws that make a real difference," she said. "When a woman receives objective evidence about the development of her baby and of the availability of alternatives, often it eases her mind," Balch said. "When a woman sees there is a `better way,' many times she will choose it."

Mississippi's legislature passed a "Choose Life" license plate bill, which will take effect July 1. A large portion of the proceeds from the sale of these plates will go to crisis pregnancy centers.