FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              CONTACT: Amber Dolle

June 26, 2007                                                                             540-903-9572 / ADolle@ALL.org

AP minimizes tragedy of double murder case by referring to nine-month-old preborn child as a fetus

WASHINGTON, D.C.—“It is tragic that certain media outlets have used coverage of the horrible double murder of Jessie Marie Davis and her preborn daughter Chloe to devalue human life,” said American Life League president Judie Brown. “While many outlets such as FOX News and CNN have recognized Chloe’s personhood, others, led by the Associated Press, have chosen to try and dehumanize this innocent preborn child by using the scientific term ‘fetus’ to describe her,” said Mrs. Brown.

“The Associated Press would likely argue that they have used the term ‘fetus’ because it is scientifically accurate. However,” said Brown, “if that’s AP’s style, why not be consistent in referring to Chloe’s mother, Jessie Davis, as an ‘adult female member of homo sapiens species?’

“The bottom line is, there are two distinct victims in this tragic case,” said Brown. “Bobby Lee Cutts, Jr., who was Miss Davis’ boyfriend and the father of her children, has been charged with two counts of murder; one for Jessie and one for Chloe. The Associated Press is minimizing the death of one victim by not referring to her as a child.

“It’s time for all media outlets to recognize the personhood of preborn children from the moment of fertilization and call them what we know them to be: babies.”

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