House File 2253 amends existing Iowa law regarding feticide and the terminology used to refer to pregnant individuals. The bill replaces the term "person" with "female" throughout the relevant sections, emphasizing the gender of the individual involved in the context of pregnancy. It outlines various offenses related to the termination of a human pregnancy, including feticide, attempted feticide, and unlawful termination without consent, specifying the penalties for each offense. Notably, it maintains that a physician may perform a termination to preserve the life or health of the pregnant female or fetus, provided that all reasonable medical efforts are made to save a viable fetus.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the legal consequences for terminating a pregnancy without consent during the commission of a felony, with varying degrees of felony charges based on the circumstances. It also addresses situations where consent is procured through force or intimidation, and it outlines the legal implications of unintentional terminations. The amendments aim to provide clearer definitions and consequences related to pregnancy termination while reinforcing the terminology that identifies the individual as a female.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 707.7, 707.8
Enrolled: 707.7, 707.8