Para enmendar el Artículo 3.2 de la Ley 54 de 15 de agosto de 1989, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Prevención e Intervención con la Violencia Doméstica”, a los fines de reconocer como una modalidad del maltrato agravado los daños o lesiones provocadas a propósito, con conocimiento o temerariamente contra el nasciturus; imponer una pena de reclusión de quince (15) años por incurrir en esta modalidad delictiva; sancionar como delito grave conforme al delito de asesinato en primer grado de la Ley Núm. 146 de 30 de julio de 2012, según enmendada y conocida como “Código Penal de Puerto Rico” de 2012, cuando los daños o lesiones causadas a propósito, con conocimiento o temerariamente contra el nasciturus le cause la muerte; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill criminalizes intentional or reckless fetal harm in domestic violence as 15-year felony, first-degree murder if fatal.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 1199 amends Puerto Rico's Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Law (Law 54 of 1989) to criminalize intentional, knowing, or reckless harm to a fetus as a form of aggravated domestic abuse. The bill establishes a 15-year mandatory prison sentence for such harm and classifies fetal death resulting from such harm as first-degree murder under Puerto Rico's 2012 Penal Code.

Why is this important

This legislation directly addresses fetal harm within domestic violence contexts, a specific gap in current Puerto Rico law. It signals legislative intent to provide enhanced legal protections for pregnant persons experiencing domestic violence and potential criminal penalties for abusers who target fetuses specifically. The measure reflects broader policy debates about reproductive autonomy, fetal personhood, and domestic violence protections.

Potential points of contention

Fetal personhood definition: The bill's use of "nasciturus" (unborn) without specifying gestational thresholds may create ambiguity about when legal protection begins and could conflict with existing abortion jurisprudence in Puerto Rico.

Prosecutorial burden and proof: Establishing intent or recklessness "against the fetus" specifically (distinct from harm to the pregnant person) may present practical evidentiary challenges in domestic violence cases.

Sentencing severity: A mandatory 15-year sentence and first-degree murder classification represent significant penalties that may exceed comparable statutes in other jurisdictions, raising proportionality concerns.

Potential unintended consequences: The law could be applied to pregnant persons themselves or complicate healthcare decisions, depending on judicial interpretation.