Fetal Homicide Bill Introduced In Colorado Legislature

A bill introduced in the Colorado State House on Friday seeks to criminalize the killing of an unborn child, while maintaining abortion rights.

House Bill 1256, which is being sponsored by a group of Republican representatives, would "create a new article for offenses against pregnant women and their unborn children." The new crime would be called "unlawful termination of a pregnancy."

In December, 2010, a much-publicized hit-and-run incident in Denver resulted in a pregnant pedestrian having a miscarriage.

Language in HB 1256 makes clear that the legislation would not consider fetuses to be "people" under the law, and that doctors performing medical procedures would not be subject to the new crime. Nor would the law permit the prosecution of a woman for acts that may affect her own pregnancy.

The bill is drawing support from members of both parties. Democrats Pat Steadman from Denver and Betty Boyd from Lakewood are listed as the Senate sponsors.

READ THE BILL: