The bill proposes to repeal the existing section 1.205 of Missouri law and replace it with a new section that emphasizes the rights of unborn children. It asserts that life begins at conception and recognizes that unborn children, as well as their natural parents, have protectable interests in life, health, and well-being. The new law mandates that from January 1, 1988, unborn children are to be acknowledged as having the same rights, privileges, and immunities as other persons under the law, subject to the U.S. Constitution and relevant state statutes. Additionally, the bill explicitly states that unborn children are entitled to the protections guaranteed under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. It defines "unborn children" as encompassing all offspring from conception until birth, at every stage of biological development. The bill also clarifies that it does not create a cause of action against women for indirectly harming their unborn child through inadequate self-care or failure to adhere to prenatal care programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6840H.01): 1.205