To amend title 18, United States Code, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice to protect unborn children from assault and murder, and for other purposes.
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on February 26, 2004. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004 or Laci and Conner's Law - Provides that persons who commit certain Federal violent crimes (conduct that violates specified provisions of the Federal criminal code, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, or the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or specified articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) ) and thereby cause the death of, or bodily injury to, a child who is in utero shall be guilty of a separate offense. Requires the punishment for that separate offense to be the same as provided under Federal law for that conduct had that injury or death occurred to the unborn child's mother (or in the case of a UCMJ violation, to be such punishment as a court-martial may direct, which shall be consistent with the punishments prescribed by the President for such conduct had that injury or death occurred to the unborn child's mother).
Declares that such a separate offense does not require proof that: (1) the person who committed the offense knew or should have known that the victim of the underlying offense was pregnant; or (2) the defendant (or accused) intended to harm the unborn child. Prohibits imposition of the death penalty for such an offense.
Bars prosecution under this Act: (1) of any person for conduct relating to an abortion for which the consent of the pregnant woman (or a person authorized by law to act on her behalf) has been obtained or is implied by law or for conduct relating to any medical treatment of the pregnant woman or her unborn child; or (2) of any woman with respect to her unborn child.
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 89.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 529. (consideration: CR H637-668; text of measure as introduced: CR H637-638)
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1997 with 2 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in part A of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution, shall be considered as adopted. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with two hours of debate on H.R. 1997.
DEBATE - Pursuant to House Resolution 529 the House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Lofgren amendment in the nature of a substitute.
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 254 - 163 (Roll no. 31).
Roll Call #31 (House)On passage Passed by recorded vote: 254 - 163 (Roll no. 31).
Roll Call #31 (House)Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate.
Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Enacted as Public Law 108-212
checking server…
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 458.
Measure laid before Senate. (consideration: CR S3124-3167)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 61 - 38. Record Vote Number: 63.
Roll Call #63 (Senate)Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 61 - 38. Record Vote Number: 63.
Roll Call #63 (Senate)Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 108-212.
Became Public Law No: 108-212.