The Unborn Victims of Violence Act, recognizing two victims in federal crimes against pregnant women, passed in 2004 with large bipartisan majorities (254-163 in the House, 61-38 in the Senate). While the leading argument against the bill was that it would undermine Roe v. Wade, many pro-choice congressmen voted for the act — and some prominent academic supporters of Roe dismissed the argument that the bill would undermine it.
Ron Weich, however, testified on his own behalf against the bill twice. He said, “[T]he bill is just one more step in the anti-abortion movement’s methodical strategy to humanize fetuses, marginalize women, demonize abortion providers and make the image of abortion less palatable to the American people.” Weich has now been nominated as assistant attorney general for legislative affairs.
The first prosecution brought under the federal law is now winding its way through the courts. Will Eric Holder’s Justice Department defend its constitutionality against challenge?