HB1212

Strengthens protections for unborn children by defining fetal homicide and modifying liability provisions.

South Dakota HB1212 revises provisions to strengthen protections for unborn children by defining fetal homicide as a Class B felony. It specifies that if a person causes the death of an unborn child without lawful justification, they can be held criminally liable. The bill also modifies liability provisions to ensure that actions involving the death of an unborn child are for the exclusive benefit of the mother or the lawfully married parents. The changes apply equally to offenses committed against unborn children and supersede other provisions relating to their injury or death.