More at the linkA controversial abortion billin Utah meant to prevent planned assaults on unborn children may have opened a loophole that could allow women to be charged with murder if their reckless behavior causes miscarriages.
Gov. Gary Herbert has not indicated whether he will sign the bill into law or veto it, although supporters of the bill say they expect him to approve it. If Herbert does nothing by March 8, the measure automatically becomes law.
The bill was prompted by the case of a pregnant teenager last year who paid someone to beat her, hoping to cause a late term abortion.
But critics argue that allowing homicide charges if a woman's "reckless behavior" causes the unborn child to die opens up the possibility that prosecutors could seek a murder conviction against women who miscarry after not wearing their seatbelts or returning to a partner who has a history of physical abuse.
I think most know where I stand on the issue; I think any prosecution of behavior, intended to harm the fetus or not, is crap. The right of a fetus should not trump the right of the mother at any point during the pregnancy.
But this kind of legislation is especially disturbing. Sure, it's aimed at women who intentionally take steps to terminate a pregnancy late term, but it will undoubtedly be expanded to women whose risky behavior, intentionally or not, results in miscarriage.
Thoughts?
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Saffron
Bookmarks