This bill amends existing Iowa law to expand the definition of "child" to include unborn children from fertilization to live birth, thereby recognizing them in the context of child abuse. It specifically addresses child abuse related to the use of controlled substances by pregnant women responsible for the care of a child. The bill mandates that any reports of such substance use by pregnant women must be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as child abuse, ensuring that these cases are assessed and appropriate support is provided.

Additionally, the bill modifies the criteria for child abuse assessments by including the new subparagraph that defines the use of controlled substances by pregnant women as a form of child abuse. It also updates the existing legal language to reflect these changes, including the deletion of previous subparagraphs that are no longer applicable. The overall aim of the bill is to enhance the protection of children, including unborn children, from the potential harms associated with substance abuse during pregnancy.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.68, 124.101