Death Penalty Possible for Doctors Performing Illegal Abortions?

New law could mean death penalty for doctors
Legislators say that wasn't their intent with the abortion measure
By KELLEY SHANNON, Associated Press

AUSTIN - Texas doctors who perform abortions without parental approval or after the third trimester could face capital murder charges because of a new law that takes effect this week, a prosecutors group says.

The Texas District and County Attorneys Association has outlined that scenario in its new book updating the Texas penal code and in public presentations around the state. The group says such charges could occur under the new law because of the 2003 fetal protection law.

Key legislators said Monday that wasn't their intent.

Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Lewisville, who pushed the parental consent measure, said in a prepared statement that her legislation was strictly limited to giving parents the right to consent when a minor is considering an abortion and to preventing late-term abortions.

"There were no discussions about the death penalty during our legislative discussions of this issue," Nelson said.

A capital murder conviction can result in the death penalty.

Rep. Ray Allen, R-Grand Prairie, who sponsored the 2003 bill defining an embryo or fetus as an "individual," said the law may need clearing up in a future legislative session.

I'm sorry but I don't see a problem here. Is there a better means of preventing this from happening than the death penalty for the doctor? Taking a life in this manner is pre-meditated murder. It sounds like to me that these "pro-life" legislators are backtracking on their own professed belief. Were they just trying to make a political statment? I don't want to see doctors put to death, but I also don't want to see our unborn children put to death.

Full Story: Death Penalty for Abortionists?

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