Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override a veto of a bill that establishes penalties for violent offenses against fetuses, effective January 1, 2013.

Highlights:

• Expands the definitions of first degree murder, second degree murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide to include the death of a fetus (Sec. 2).

• Defines “fetus” as an unborn offspring beginning from the embryo stage at the end of the eighth week after conception when “major structures have formed” until birth (Sec. 2).

• Exempts any medical procedure or prescription performed or administered by a licensed medical professional at the request of the pregnant woman or her guardian, including abortions, from the provisions of this bill (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vetoed by Governor John Lynch

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that establishes penalties for violent offenses against fetuses, effective January 1, 2013.

Highlights:

• Expands the definitions of first degree murder, second degree murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide to include the death of a fetus (Sec. 2).

• Defines “fetus” as an unborn offspring beginning from the embryo stage at the end of the eighth week after conception when “major structures have formed” until birth (Sec. 2).

• Exempts any medical procedure or prescription performed or administered by a licensed medical professional at the request of the pregnant woman or her guardian, including abortions, from the provisions of this bill (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes penalties for violent offenses against fetuses, effective January 1, 2013.

Highlights:

• Expands the definitions of first degree murder, second degree murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide to include the death of a fetus (Sec. 2).

• Defines “fetus” as an unborn offspring beginning from the embryo stage at the end of the eighth week after conception when “major structures have formed” until birth (Sec. 2).

• Exempts any medical procedure or prescription performed or administered by a licensed medical professional at the request of the pregnant woman or her guardian, including abortions, from the provisions of this bill (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes penalties for violent offenses against fetuses.

Highlights:

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill apply to fetuses of at least 24 weeks of gestation (Secs. 2-4).

• Expands the definition of first degree murder, second degree murder, and negligent homicide to include the violent death of a fetus (Secs. 2-4).

• Exempts from the provisions of this bill any medical procedure or prescription performed by a licensed medical professional at the request of the pregnant woman or her guardian (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text