Michigan House Bill HB4670

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/25/25
• Refer: 6/25/25

Caption

Torts: liability; wrongful death of embryo or fetus; remove exceptions to liability. Amends sec. 2922a of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2922a).

Summary

House Bill 4670 would amend Michigan’s Revised Judicature Act to expand civil liability for wrongful or negligent acts that harm a pregnant individual and result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or injury or death to an embryo or fetus. The bill states that a person who commits such an act is liable for damages, and it would be referred to as the "justice for babies in the womb act."

Impact

The bill would change MCL 600.2922a by removing existing exceptions to liability for certain acts involving pregnancy-related injuries, while preserving exceptions for acts committed by the pregnant individual, medical procedures performed by licensed health professionals with consent or in a medical emergency, and lawful dispensing, administration, or prescription of medication. It would affect tort and wrongful-death-style civil claims in Michigan by broadening the circumstances under which damages may be sought for fetal or embryonic injury or death, while expressly leaving other civil actions under different laws available.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of legislative debate or member positions in the available materials. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be framed as a pro-liability, fetal-protection bill, but the absence of discussion or voting history prevents a reliable assessment of broader sentiment.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the bill’s removal of exceptions to liability for wrongful or negligent acts affecting a pregnancy, which could broaden civil exposure in cases involving accidents or other conduct that harms a fetus or embryo. Supporters would likely emphasize accountability and protection for unborn life, while opponents may raise concerns about expanded tort liability, effects on medical practice, and the potential for litigation involving pregnancy-related injuries. The bill’s explicit carve-outs for the pregnant individual, licensed medical care, and lawful medication suggest an effort to limit those concerns, but those same boundaries may still be debated.