'Fetal Homicide' Bill Proposed In Vt. Legislature

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology;  Pregnancy / Obstetrics;  Public Health
Article Date: 11 Jan 2010 - 0:00 PDT

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A ‘fetal homicide’ bill recently introduced in the Vermont Legislature would establish stiff penalties for the death of a fetus caused by a car accident, WPTZ reports. The bill is a response to the death of Patricia Blair’s twin fetuses, which were killed in a car accident in August 2009. Although the driver of the car that caused the accident is facing a series of charges, none relate to the demise of the fetuses because a fetus is not considered a person under Vermont law.

The bill -- sponsored by state Sen. Vince Illuzzi (R), who supports abortion rights -- would modify current Vermont statutes that address "grossly negligent" operation of a vehicle or "DUI-Death Resulting." According to Illuzzi, the federal government and 30 other state have similar laws, and the Vermont Supreme Court in the past called on the Legislature to clarify the issue. Gov. Jim Douglas (R), who supports abortion rights, said that he has not decided if the bill is appropriate but that he agrees with it in principle. Statehouse leaders have said that the bill is not likely to progress this year, WPTZ reports.

Critics of the legislation are concerned that it could reopen a debate over abortion rights in Vermont. The American Civil Liberties Union said that the legislation is a "slippery slope." State Rep. Rachel Weston (D) said, "Violent crimes against pregnant women are a real problem, but I don't think fetal personhood put forth in this bill is the answer," adding, "There can be unintended consequences both for women's health and fetal health" (WPTZ, 1/6).

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