2016 -- H 7170

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LC003043

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING THE FETUS AS A HUMAN LIFE UPON THE EXISTENCE OF A

HEARTBEAT

     Introduced By: Representatives McLaughlin, Azzinaro, Costantino, Edwards, and Hull

     Date Introduced: January 14, 2016

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     WHEREAS, There exists a continuing debate in this nation and state as to abortion and

ascertaining the moment that human life begins; and

     WHEREAS, Upon fertilization, an egg becomes a zygote. Shortly thereafter, the zygote

splits into two cells, and is called a two-celled embryo. When it splits into four cells, it is called a

four-celled embryo, etc.; and

     WHEREAS, If an embryo is then nourished and protected, it will proceed, uninterrupted,

through the developmental stages from embryo to fetus; and

     WHEREAS, There is sound scientific evidence that the heart of a fetus begins beating at

about the eighteenth through the twenty-fourth day of fetal development and that this heartbeat,

sometimes described as a "flutter", indicates and is recognized as the existence of life; and

     WHEREAS, Today, advances in medical care have greatly improved the chances for

survival of fetuses born preterm; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby recognizes that the existence of a fetal heartbeat or flutter is

evidence of the existence of human life and that advancements in the field of prenatal care are

dramatically improving survival for babies born preterm.

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LC003043

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