House says yes to criminalizing killing a fetus

HELENA — The state House overwhelmingly approved a bill making it illegal to kill an unborn child except in cases of medical procedures.

Supporters say there are enough safeguards in the bill to protect a woman from being charged in some way for the death of her own unborn child. They say the bill has nothing to do with abortion and opponents failed in an attempt to have the bill specifically exempt abortion by name.

Opponents argued it could be used in unforeseen ways as a backdoor attack on the legal procedure.

The House gave it initial approval Thursday on a 70-29 vote. It faces one more largely procedural vote Friday before going over to the Senate.

Debate was short. Several other measures from the Republican majority aimed directly at abortion are expected later in the session are expected to draw more attention.

HELENA — The state House overwhelmingly approved a bill making it illegal to kill an unborn child except in cases of medical procedures.

Supporters say there are enough safeguards in the bill to protect a woman from being charged in some way for the death of her own unborn child. They say the bill has nothing to do with abortion and opponents failed in an attempt to have the bill specifically exempt abortion by name.

Opponents argued it could be used in unforeseen ways as a backdoor attack on the legal procedure.

The House gave it initial approval Thursday on a 70-29 vote. It faces one more largely procedural vote Friday before going over to the Senate.

Debate was short. Several other measures from the Republican majority aimed directly at abortion are expected later in the session are expected to draw more attention.