
Virginia Bill Redefining the Term ‘Child’ (HB 556)
This law was last updated on Jun 29, 2016
This law is Anti–Choice
Number
HB 556
Status
Failed to Pass
Proposed
Jan 11, 2016
Full Bill Text
HB 556 would amend § 18.2-371.1 of the Code of Virginia regarding the abuse and neglect of children to include a viable fetus under the definition of “child.”
With this change, a pregnant woman may face charges if she engages in behavior deemed risky to the fetus. For example:
- The bill would make it a Class 4 felony for a parent or guardian to cause serious injury to the life or health of a viable fetus.
- The bill would make it a Class 6 felony for a parent or guardian who shows reckless disregard for human life in their actions or omissions with a viable fetus.
The bill would not apply to any injury to a fetus resulting from the performance of a lawful abortion.
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