A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 12.1-16, a new section to chapter 12.1-17, and two new sections to chapter 32-21 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of human being and person as the terms relate to the offenses of murder and assault, and civil actions for death caused by wrongful acts.
HB1373 seeks to amend the North Dakota Century Code by defining 'human being' and 'person' to include unborn children. It establishes that an unborn child is recognized as an individual living human child from the moment of fertilization. The bill specifies that certain exceptions apply, such as unintentional deaths or injuries to unborn children resulting from standard medical practices, procedures to save the mother's life, or spontaneous miscarriages.
If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the legal definitions surrounding murder, assault, and wrongful death in North Dakota, potentially leading to increased legal protections for unborn children. This could impact various legal proceedings and civil actions, as the recognition of unborn children as persons may lead to new claims and liabilities under existing laws.
The sentiment surrounding HB1373 appears to be contentious, as evidenced by its failure to pass. Discussions likely included strong opinions on both sides regarding the implications of recognizing unborn children as persons, reflecting broader societal debates on abortion and reproductive rights.
Notable points of contention include the implications of defining unborn children as persons, which could lead to legal challenges regarding abortion rights and reproductive healthcare. Advocates for the bill argue it is a necessary step for protecting unborn lives, while opponents raise concerns about the potential criminalization of abortion and the impact on women's health care decisions.