Unborn Victims of Violence Is Debated in Oregon
By Michelle Knopp
Legislative Assistant, Oregon Right to Life

In Oregon - - a state without a single pro-life law - - hearings on legislation supported by pro-lifers rarely draw the attention of those outside the Capitol bubble, even when the measure ought to transcend usual differences between pro-lifers and pro-abortionists.

However, on February 21, 2005, something changed. A special guest had come to town and he brought unprecedented public attention to the issue of crimes that harm both women and their unborn children.

The hearing room was packed and tense. Members of the press scanned the crowd and scribbled notes. Then he arrived - - the object of much discussion - - Ron Grantski, stepfather of Laci Peterson and grandfather of Conner Peterson.

Invited by Oregon Speaker of the House Karen Minnis, Ron Grantski traveled to Oregon to testify on behalf of House Bill 2020, Oregon's Unborn Victims of Violence bill. With anguished eyes, cracking voice, and set jaw, Mr. Grantski told the story of losing both his stepdaughter and grandson in a violent crime.

His message was simple and clear: "Throughout the last two and a half years our family's been living in hell. [Laci] was murdered, thrown into the ocean. On April 13th our grandson washed up on the beach. On April 14th Laci's body was washed up."

Mr. Grantski continued, "That pregnant woman is carrying your grandson or granddaughter. It's not a fetus. [If] somebody kills your daughter or that baby they need to be punished for that - - plain and simple. It has nothing to do with abortion."

Every major television station, radio station, and newspaper carried the story, local radio talk shows discussed the issue, and the average Oregonian's sense of common decency was stirred. Mr. Grantski's emotional testimony had made a real impact on the people of Oregon.

In a recent statewide poll, 76% of Oregonians support charging an attacker with murder, if his actions killed an unborn child. House Bill 2020 is expected to be approved by the Oregon House.

However, despite public support, the bill's future in Oregon's Capitol is unsure.

The bill says nothing about abortion, but it does insist that when a pregnant woman is killed, there are two victims. This will have tough going in Oregon's pro-abortion-controlled Senate and with pro-abortion Governor Ted Kulongoski.

In a press conference following the hearing, Mr. Grantski reiterated his fervent support for protecting unborn victims of violence. "My son Darrin lives in [Oregon]. Someday he's going to get married. Someday hopefully I'll have a granddaughter or grandson. I want this State to have that law."