2025 Session
Last amended: 1986 session
§ 609.2672 — Assault of Unborn Child in the Third Degree
Plain-Language Summary
Third-degree assault of an unborn child is a misdemeanor. It includes acting in a way meant to make a pregnant woman fear immediate harm to her unborn child, or intentionally causing or trying to cause bodily harm to an unborn child who is later born alive.
609.2672 ASSAULT OF UNBORN CHILD IN THE THIRD DEGREE.
Whoever does any of the following commits an assault of an unborn child in the third degree and is guilty of a misdemeanor:
(1) commits an act with intent to cause fear in a pregnant woman of immediate bodily harm or death to the unborn child; or
(2) intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily harm on an unborn child who is subsequently born alive.
History:
History: History:
1986 c 388 s 13
Practical Notes
This is the least serious assault charge involving an unborn child. Unlike the first and second degree charges, this one covers both actual harm and attempted harm, as well as threats. The pregnant woman herself cannot be charged under these unborn child assault laws.