|
Posted: 7:44 PM Jun 29, 2008
Tragic cases often spur fetal homicide laws
Indianapolis, IN In Indiana, the law allows prosecutors to file murder charges in the death of a fetus, but only if the mom's at least seven months pregnant. Bank teller Katherin Shuffield was five months pregnant.
Reporter: The Associated Press |
|
Indiana could become a battleground state for the debate on killing fetuses.
A bank robber shot a pregnant Indianapolis bank teller during a robbery April 22nd, and she lost her twin fetuses. The alleged gunman, Brian Kendrick, faces four to 16 years in prison if convicted on two counts of killing a fetus -- a penalty that Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi and some state lawmakers say isn't enough.
In Indiana, the law allows prosecutors to file murder charges in the death of a fetus, but only if the mom's at least seven months pregnant. Teller Katherin Shuffield was five months pregnant.
Republican state Senator Jim Merritt of Indianapolis plans to sponsor a bill that would amend the law to cover a fetus at any stage of development.
Conservative groups say such legislation is needed. But abortion rights activists say fetal homicide laws can become a backdoor way to determine that life legally begins at conception.

| WNDU News Poll |
| There are currently no active polls at this time. Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results. |
- Ind. pain doctor must forfeit $500,000
- Butler won't invite chief justice to speak
- Schrenker: "Data" show he tried to fake own death
- Closing 3 NW Ind. courthouses would net savings
- Daniels: Without recovery, schools face tough 2011
- Indiana Toll Road lowers price for i-Zoom pass to $10
- Indiana to hold severe weather preparedness events
- Lafayette schools to expand daytime drug searches
- Indianapolis man to chair Indiana black male panel
- Ohio woman says Lexus sped up, caused Ind. crash
- Indiana student sues to stop prayer
9 Comments - Indiana man who murdered two executed in Texas
5 Comments - Springing forward may be costing Ind. residents
4 Comments - Butler won't invite chief justice to speak
3 Comments






