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 preserve the life of a viable fetus.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the legal consequences for individuals who terminate a pregnancy without consent, including class B and C felonies for various circumstances, such as during the commission of a forcible felony or through coercion. It also addresses unintentional terminations and the legal implications of actions that may lead to such outcomes. The amendments aim to create a more precise legal framework surrounding pregnancy-related offenses while reinforcing the terminology that recognizes the pregnant individual as a female.

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