(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Representative Max Burns (GA-12) applauded the passage of H.R. 1997, The Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and voted to protect pregnant women and their unborn children. By a vote of 254-163, the House approved the Unborn Victims of Violence Act - also known as Laci and Connor's Law - which would charge those who injure or kill an unborn child with a separate offense.

"By voting for the Unborn Victims of Violence Act I am standing up for women who have been violently attacked and lose the child they are carrying because of the injury sustained. Many opponents believe this legislation is merely symbolic, but we need to remember that there are two victims here. How many women would view the loss of their unborn child through violent means as merely symbolic?" Burns said.

Under current law, an individual who commits a federal crime of violence against a pregnant woman receives no additional punishment for killing or injuring the woman's unborn child. Twenty-nine states have passed laws similar to the Unborn Victims of Violence Act to correct this injustice.

A majority of Americans support "Laci and Connor's Law." A Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll conducted in August 2003 found that close to 80 percent of all Americans believe that those whose violent actions lead to death of a pregnant woman's baby should be charged with murder.