Statement of Administration Policy H.R. 21 – Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
January 23, 2025
Action Summary
- Legislation Focus: H.R. 21 – Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, introduced by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO-2) with 151 cosponsors.
- Policy Stance: The Administration strongly supports the bill, emphasizing the protection of the most vulnerable and preventing infanticide.
- Medical Care Requirements: Mandates that any healthcare practitioner present at the birth of an infant surviving an abortion must provide immediate care to preserve the child’s life and health, ensure prompt hospital transport, and admission.
- Reporting and Legal Provisions: Requires immediate reporting of any violations by a healthcare practitioner or hospital employee, establishes a civil right of action, and protects mothers from criminal prosecution or penalties.
- Historical Policy Context: Reinforces the policy established by Executive Order 13952 (September 25, 2020) which affirms the human dignity and inherent worth of every newborn, regardless of prematurity or disability.
- Administrative Recommendation: If presented in its current form, the President’s advisors would recommend signing H.R. 21 into law.
Risks & Considerations
- The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act emphasizes the protection of newborns who survive abortion attempts, which could lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of healthcare practices related to abortion. This may impact medical research and practices at institutions like Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- There is a potential risk of increased legal and ethical considerations for healthcare providers, which could affect training programs and curricula at Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine and related departments.
- The Act could lead to heightened political and social debates on campus, influencing the university’s community engagement and public relations strategies.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how this legislation could affect its partnerships with healthcare providers and its role in advocating for medical ethics and patient care standards.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center may need to review and potentially revise its protocols and training related to neonatal care and abortion procedures to ensure compliance with new legal requirements.
- Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine might need to incorporate additional training on the legal and ethical aspects of neonatal care and abortion-related procedures into its curriculum.
- The Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society could play a crucial role in facilitating discussions and research on the ethical implications of the Act, providing guidance to healthcare professionals and policymakers.
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Government and Community Relations may need to engage with policymakers and advocacy groups to navigate the implications of this legislation on the university’s operations and community relations.
Financial Impact
- The implementation of the Act could lead to increased costs for compliance and training for healthcare providers, which may affect the financial planning and resource allocation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in neonatal care and medical ethics, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies and healthcare organizations.
- Changes in healthcare regulations could impact the university’s ability to attract and retain top medical talent, potentially affecting its reputation and financial stability.
- Vanderbilt may need to consider the financial implications of potential legal challenges or changes in healthcare policy that could arise from the Act’s implementation.
Relevance Score: 3 (The Act presents moderate risks involving compliance and ethical considerations for the university’s medical programs and partnerships.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center should review and potentially update its protocols and training for healthcare practitioners to ensure compliance with the requirements of H.R. 21, should it become law. This includes ensuring that all staff are prepared to provide the necessary care to newborns who survive abortion attempts and understand the legal obligations to report any violations.
- The School of Nursing should incorporate training on the legal and ethical responsibilities outlined in H.R. 21 into its curriculum. This will prepare future healthcare professionals to handle such situations with the required care and legal awareness.
- Vanderbilt’s Legal Department should assess the potential legal implications of H.R. 21 for the university’s healthcare facilities and provide guidance to ensure compliance with the new legal standards.
Opportunities
- The Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society at Vanderbilt can engage in research and public discourse on the ethical implications of H.R. 21, contributing to national conversations and policy development regarding the care of newborns who survive abortion attempts.
- Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in medical ethics by hosting conferences or workshops that explore the intersection of law, ethics, and medical practice in light of H.R. 21, fostering dialogue among healthcare professionals, legal experts, and ethicists.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to ensure compliance with potential new legal requirements.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A – The document does not specify any deadlines or timelines for implementing the directives, as it only expresses support for H.R. 21 without detailed enforcement measures.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Executive Office of the President: The statement is issued by this office, indicating its role in setting and communicating Administration policy regarding H.R. 21 – Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): The statement is co-issued by the OMB, highlighting its involvement in overseeing and implementing the Executive Order’s fiscal and administrative dimensions.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only 2 agencies are explicitly impacted by the policy statement.)
Responsible Officials
- N/A – The statement serves as an endorsement of the legislation without specifying any implementation directives for agency officials.
Relevance Score: 1 (The document mainly expresses support for the legislation without mandating action by any identified high-level or implementation officials.)