Effort Renewed to Criminalize Killing an Unborn Fetus

HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Abortion foes are again advancing a bill at the Legislature that would make it illegal to kill an unborn child, except in cases of medical procedures.

Homicide laws currently cover the death of a human being. The bill adds "unborn child" to the offense, and defines "unborn child" as a human who is conceived but not born.

The House Judiciary Committee listened to testimony from familiar foes Tuesday.

Support was led by anti-abortion groups who argue a law is needed to place value on the unborn child. Opponents, including those that support abortion rights, argued the change is unnecessary and could lead to intrusive investigations into a mother's health history.

A similar measure cleared the Legislature two years ago, only to be vetoed by former Gov. Brian Schweitzer.