Number: RS21550
Title: The Unborn Victims of Violence Act
Authors: Jon O. Shimabukuro, American Law Division 
Abstract: The Unborn Victims of Violence Act (P.L. 108-212) establishes a separate offense for harming or killing an "unborn child" in utero during the commission of specified violent crimes. This report examines the act's provisions, and reviews similar state laws that criminalize the killing of a fetus or unborn child. The report also discusses selected cases that have considered the constitutionality of state fetal homicide and unborn child homicide statutes. These cases provide some guidance as to how a reviewing court may consider a future case involving the legitimacy of the act.
Pages: 6
Date: January 24, 2007