Gov. Believes in Preserving the Life of a Convicted Murderer, but Not the Lives of Innocent Babies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, April 6, 2023

Governor Believes in Preserving the Life of a Convicted Murderer,

but Not the Lives of Innocent Babies

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senator Janae Shamp is expressing extreme sorrow and frustration after Governor Hobbs vetoed a bill that would have protected newborn babies and provided them with a fighting chance at life. SB 1600 would have required healthcare professionals to provide any infant that is born alive treatment as a legal person under Arizona law with the same rights to care and life-saving measures, including spiritual and comfort care. This bill would have also held healthcare professionals accountable for violating these requirements or failing to report violations by others.

"Governor Hobbs has refused to carry out the scheduled execution of death row inmate, Aaron Gunches, in order to preserve his life after being convicted of a brutal murder. It's sickening that she doesn't feel the same about keeping innocent babies alive," said Senator Shamp. "In reality, death by neglect is murder. Healthcare professionals should be required to take action to preserve the life and health of a living, breathing baby. Appropriate medical care ranges from the most invasive to comfort care, and under no circumstances should that ever not be offered. Quite frankly, it's atrocious that I would even need to write legislation to protect our state's most vulnerable lives."

Senator Shamp will continue to fight for the voiceless innocent.

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For more information, contact:

Chierstin Susel

Deputy Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

csusel@azleg.gov