HCS HB 2081 -- USE OF FORCE TO DEFEND AN UNBORN CHILD

SPONSOR:  Jones, 89 (Riddle)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
General Laws by a vote of 10 to 5.

This substitute specifies that a pregnant woman may use deadly
force to protect her unborn child if she reasonably believes that
deadly force is necessary.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2011, FY 2012, and
FY 2013.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say the bill clarifies that a woman has
an explicit right to use deadly force if she is assaulted in a
manner threatening her unborn child.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Riddle; Greg White,
Cole County Sheriff; Missouri Sheriff's Association; Missouri
Police Chiefs' Association; Missouri State Troopers Association;
and Bruce McLaughlin.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that pregnant women
are often targets of violence and should be protected.

Testifying on the bill was Missouri Coalition Against Domestic
and Sexual Violence.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:12 pm