2025 Session
Last amended: 1986 session
§ 609.2663 — Murder of Unborn Child in the Third Degree
Plain-Language Summary
Third-degree murder of an unborn child means causing the death of an unborn child through extremely dangerous behavior that shows a disregard for human life, but without intending to kill. The penalty is up to 25 years in prison.
609.2663 MURDER OF UNBORN CHILD IN THE THIRD DEGREE.
Whoever, without intent to effect the death of any unborn child or person, causes the death of an unborn child by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human or fetal life, is guilty of murder of an unborn child in the third degree and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 25 years.
History:
History: History:
1986 c 388 s 8
Practical Notes
This charge applies when someone acts in a way that is extremely reckless and dangerous, even though they did not specifically intend to cause death. Examples could include firing a gun into a crowd or driving at extreme speeds through a populated area. The pregnant woman herself cannot be charged under this law.