The bill aims to enhance legal protections for unborn children by allowing for prosecution when their death is caused by another person. It seeks to amend the definition of "person" in the Arkansas Criminal Code to include unborn children from the point of fertilization until birth, thereby extending homicide laws to cover unborn children. Additionally, the bill repeals existing provisions that may permit individuals to pressure pregnant women into having abortions, emphasizing the need for equal protection under the law for all persons, including unborn children.

Key changes in the bill include the removal of language that previously allowed for certain exceptions in wrongful death cases involving unborn children, particularly in the context of legal abortions and other medical procedures. The bill also introduces new definitions, such as "fertilization," and clarifies that all provisions of the Arkansas Criminal Code apply to prosecutions for the death of an unborn child, similar to those for any other person. An emergency clause is included, stating that the act is necessary for the immediate protection of unborn children and will take effect upon approval by the Governor or under specified conditions if not vetoed.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1174 Original - 1-19-2023 11:55 AM: 5-1-102(13), 16-62-102(a)
Old version HB1174 V2 - 3-13-2023 09:32 AM: 5-1-102(13), 16-62-102(a)
HB 1174: 5-1-102(13), 16-62-102(a)