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"Live-birth abortion generates reaction from lawmakers across the nation"

Chicago--May 1, 2000--As the US Supreme Court hears arguments over the legality of laws banning partial-birth abortion, a number of states are considering legislation which would make another controversial abortion procedure illegal.

US Rep. Charles Canady (R-FL) has introduced a bill designed to ban live-birth abortion, a method in which premature labor is induced. After the baby is born, in some instances alive, the newborn is then left to die without receiving any medical care.

This abortion technique, also known as the Canadian method, first came to light when a labor and delivery nurse at Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois filed a complaint with hospital management and brought the matter to the attention of the press.

What was originally called a "rare" abortion procedure was used at least 100 times by another Chicago area hospital in one year alone. This method is also practiced by many other abortion providers in Canada and the US.

City News USA has learned the state of Washington is now considering legislation to ban live-birth abortions.

In contrast to live-birth abortions, the partial-birth process results in only the head of a baby remaining in the mother's womb. A physician then punctures the back of the newborn's skull with a surgical instrument. The abortion is then completed when brain matter is extracted from the baby and the skull is then crushed before being totally removed from the birth canal.

Polls have indicated over 70% of Americans believe partial-birth abortions should be outlawed. Anti-abortion activists say when the public learns more about the live-birth abortion process, they may be more likely to oppose to all forms of abortion.

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