Resolution on The "Unborn Victims of Violence Act"

WHEREAS the "Unborn Victims of Violence Act" (HR 2436/SR 1382) under consideration in the United States Congress treats the mother as a separate person from the fetus, in essence raising the status of the fetus to that of a person for law enforcement purposes, the first piece of Federal legislation to make this distinction; and

WHEREAS Jewish law does not recognize the fetus as an independent person as is made clear in Exodus 21:22-23; and

WHEREAS the most effective legislative means to enhance protection of women and their families would be the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that The Rabbinical Assembly call upon the Senate to reject SR 1382 and, if passed, urge the President to veto this legislation.

Passed by the Rabbinical Assembly Plenum, March, 2000