The nation still is reeling from the horrific mass shooting that claimed the lives of 26 Texans in a small community church last Sunday. In some states, however, the casualty total would only be 25 because they do not recognize unborn babies as victims of violence. Crystal Holcombe and her unborn baby were shot and killed, along with 24 others Nov. 5 at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, according to the Religion News Service. Texas recognized Holcombe’s unborn child, who was nearly full term, as
one of the victims because of its 2003 Unborn Victims of Violence Act, the report states. The state law extends the protections of the entire criminal code to “an unborn child at every stage of gestation from fertilization until birth.” Here’s more from the report: A state law passed in 2003 requires that the fetus Crystal Holcombe was carrying when she was fatally shot Sunday (Nov. 5) along with other worshippers at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs be counted like the other victims, who authorities say numbered 26 and ranged in age up to 77. Holcombe was in her eighth month of pregnancy. MORE
