Abuse and neglect of children; a child includes a viable fetus. (HB556)
Introduced By
Del. Dave LaRock (R-Loudoun) with support from co-patron Del. Nick Freitas (R-Culpeper)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Abuse and neglect of children; fetuses. Provides that for purposes of the crime of abuse and neglect of a child, a child includes a viable fetus. Read the Bill »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/11/2016 | Committee |
| 01/11/2016 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/13/16 16102723D |
| 01/11/2016 | Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice |
| 01/12/2016 | Impact statement from VCSC (HB556) |
| 02/05/2016 | Impact statement from DPB (HB556) |
| 02/16/2016 | Left in Courts of Justice |
Comments
Under this bill, people can't be prosecuted for abandoning a fetus at a hospital. Or for any fetus that is "under treatment solely by spiritual means through prayer".
The ACLU of Virginia strongly opposes this law, which would create harsh criminal penalties for women who continue their pregnancies despite suffering from drug dependency. The U.S. Constitution protects women from laws that unjustifiably burden or penalize their decision to carry a pregnancy to term. Further, this bill would not promote healthy pregnancies. Pregnant women who suffer from drug dependency are less likely to seek essential prenatal care and social support systems when they are threatened with criminal prosecution. The threat fosters a climate of fear and mistrust between doctors and patients, imperiling the health both of women and their future children. To best promote healthy pregnancies, we should provide pregnant women easy access to comprehensive family-based treatment programs so they may get the help they need.
The ACLU of Virginia strongly opposes this law, which would create harsh criminal penalties for women who continue their pregnancies despite suffering from drug dependency. The U.S. Constitution protects women from laws that unjustifiably burden or penalize their decision to carry a pregnancy to term. Further, this bill would not promote healthy pregnancies. Pregnant women who suffer from drug dependency are less likely to seek essential prenatal care and social support systems when they are threatened with criminal prosecution. The threat fosters a climate of fear and mistrust between doctors and patients, imperiling the health both of women and their future children. To best promote healthy pregnancies, we should provide pregnant women easy access to comprehensive family-based treatment programs so they may get the help they need.