The Tennessee State Senate passed a bill on Monday night that will apply the state’s murder and assault laws to embryos. In a 28-2 vote, the State Senate decided that when a pregnant woman is harmed, prosecutors should be able to bring murder and assault charges on behalf of a second victim, the embryo.
Opponents of the bill say that although the bill only refers to criminal statutes, it is a starting point for anti-abortion legislation in the state. State representative Jeanne Richardson said, “It will be difficult for prosecutors to prove that an embryo miscarried because of someone else’s action and not from natural causes.” Another state representative, Johnnie Turner, said that the bill provides “veiled support” for future anti-abortion legislation.
Tennessee passed a law last year that gives prosecutors the right to bring charges for crimes against any fetus. For many years prior to this law, the state law applied only to a “viable fetus,” defined as at least 32 weeks after conception.
The Tennessean, 4/24/12; Think Progress 4/20/12
1 comment
udom umoh says:
Apr 25, 2012
This bill is one of subjective opinions that beseeches its creators to seek another way to protect the unborn. If this is to be a representative democracy, then our fellow lawmakers must represent us, in all our best interests, not theirs. Protect our mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and future bearers. Let us not be wholly irresponsible in the face of judicial powers. If we are all of high-mind and compassion, I beseech you: do not trifle with the rights of our citizens.
http://www.examiner.com/article/embryo-bill-could-land-you-jail