LETTERS: UNBORN VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ACT NEEDS SUPPORT

To the editor:

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote April 25 on the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. This bill would recognize unborn children as victims when they are injured or killed during the commission of federal crimes of violence. Nothing in the bill would allow prosecution relating to a consensual abortion. It also would exempt any legal or illegal action taken by a women that results in harm to her own unborn child.

Even though this bill in no way affects legal abortions, it is vehemently opposed by pro-abortion groups that claim the bill would erode the foundation of Roe vs. Wade.

Opponents intend to introduce a substitute measure called the Lofgren amendment that would contain no mention of an unborn child, but would enhance penalties for "interruption to the normal course of a pregnancy." Under this amendment, when a criminal attacks a pregnant woman and kills her unborn child, there would be no loss of human life.

Please contact your representative or his office and ask your representative to support the Unborn Victims of Violence Act and oppose the Lofgren substitute.

MARCUS R. SCHAEFER

Benton, Mo.