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Bill

S 5576

Establishes the crime of feticide

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Gallivan and 1 co-sponsor

S 5576 - Establishes the Crime of Feticide OverviewBill Number: S 5576 Title: Establishes the crime of feticide Status: REFERRED TO CODES Introduced: February 25, 2025 Purpose a

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · S 5576

S 5576 - Establishes the Crime of Feticide

Overview

Bill Number: S 5576
Title: Establishes the crime of feticide
Status: REFERRED TO CODES
Introduced: February 25, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to establish the criminal offense of "feticide" in the state, defined as the intentional termination of a pregnancy at any stage of gestation without the consent of the pregnant individual. The primary goal is to provide additional legal protections for fetuses and deter acts that would end a pregnancy against the will of the pregnant person.

Key Provisions

  • Creates the new criminal offense of "feticide" as a class A felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison
  • Defines feticide as the intentional termination of a pregnancy at any stage of gestation without the consent of the pregnant individual
  • Provides exceptions for legal abortions performed with the consent of the pregnant person, as well as miscarriages and stillbirths not caused by criminal acts
  • Requires healthcare providers to report any suspected feticides to law enforcement
  • Allows civil lawsuits to be filed by the pregnant individual or their family members against anyone who commits feticide

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would primarily impact pregnant individuals, healthcare providers, and anyone who intentionally terminates a pregnancy without the consent of the pregnant person. It could lead to criminal prosecutions and civil liability for those found guilty of feticide, as well as increased reporting requirements and potential legal risks for healthcare professionals.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill has been referred to the Senate Codes Committee for further consideration and potential amendments. If it passes the committee, it would then move to a full vote in the state Senate. If approved by the Senate, it would then go to the state Assembly for a separate review process. The governor would have the final decision on whether to sign the bill into law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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