Introduced

Passed House

Passed Senate

Became law

Adjourned sine die. The bill was pending when the session ended, so it did not pass.

Last action · February 21, 2025

To Judiciary (H)

Introduced February 13, 2025

House

Adjourned Sine Die

2025 Regular Session

HB523

AN ACT relating to unborn children.

Short title: Prenatal Equal Protection Act

Create new sections of KRS Chapter 507, relating to criminal homicide, to allow a prosecution where the victim is an unborn child; provide exceptions for spontaneous miscarriages and lawful medical procedures; amend KRS 507.010 to define terms; create new sections of KRS Chapter 508, relating to assault, to define terms; allow a prosecution where the victim is an unborn child; provide exceptions for spontaneous miscarriages and lawful medical procedures; amend KRS 501.090 to allow the…

Corrections Impact Crimes and Punishments Health and Medical Services Reproductive Issues Short Titles and Popular Names

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This bill would allow criminal homicide and assault charges to be filed when the victim is an unborn child, replacing Kentucky's existing fetal homicide law with new statutes under the general criminal code. It includes exceptions for spontaneous miscarriages and lawful medical procedures, and it allows a mother who is the defendant in such a case to use a duress defense. The Attorney General would gain the ability to prosecute these cases alongside local prosecutors. Who it may affect: pregnant women, medical providers performing pregnancy-related procedures, and prosecutors handling criminal cases involving harm to unborn children.

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