RELEASE
Palazzo Re-Introduces Pro-Life Legislation
Washington, DC – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released a statement today after re-introducing H.R. 684, the Every Child is a Blessing Act, that would put a stop to controversial “wrongful birth” lawsuits and prevent discrimination of children with disabilities. In these cases, individuals sue on the grounds that they would have aborted their child based on the child’s disability.
“No child should have to listen to those who are supposed to love and care for them argue in court that they should not have been born. That kind of treatment is not only unacceptable it’s inhumane. I believe in the sanctity of human life and that every child is a blessing. That is why I am reintroducing this legislation today as thousands of Americans make the annual “March for Life” to the Supreme Court, including students from the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, to show their support for the unborn. I will continue to do everything in my power as a Congressman and as a person to be a voice for the voiceless and a defender of the defenseless.”
In addition to discriminating against disabled children, wrongful birth cases can place costly burdens on the judicial system. In recent years, the number of wrongful birth lawsuits filed has increased due to the large sums awarded plaintiffs. In a Washington state case a couple was awarded $50 million in a claim that they would have aborted their child had they known the child would be born with a genetic defect.
Congressman Palazzo introduced the Every Child is a Blessing legislation in the 113th and the 114th Congress. Mississippi State Senator Angela Hill has introduced similar legislation at the state level this year as well.
1/27/16
Magnolia Tribune
