Legal Definitions - feticide

Feticide refers to the unlawful act of causing the death of a fetus. This criminal offense typically occurs when a pregnant individual is subjected to violence, assault, or other illegal actions that directly result in the death of their unborn child. It is distinct from a legal abortion, as feticide involves an unlawful act against the pregnant person or the fetus itself.

• Example 1: A man, during a heated argument with his pregnant partner, intentionally kicks her in the abdomen with significant force. The severe trauma from the kick leads to the immediate death of the unborn child.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates feticide because the man's unlawful and intentional act of violence against his pregnant partner directly caused the death of the fetus.

• Example 2: A driver, under the influence of alcohol and speeding excessively, loses control of their vehicle and crashes into another car. A pregnant passenger in the other vehicle suffers critical injuries that result in the death of her fetus.

  Explanation: In this case, the driver's unlawful and reckless actions (DUI and speeding) directly led to the death of the fetus, which can be prosecuted as feticide in jurisdictions with such laws, even if there was no direct intent to harm the unborn child.

• Example 3: During a robbery, an intruder physically assaults a pregnant homeowner, pushing her violently to the ground. The fall causes internal injuries that lead to a miscarriage and the death of the fetus.

  Explanation: This demonstrates feticide because the intruder's unlawful act of assault against the pregnant homeowner directly caused the death of the fetus as a consequence of their criminal behavior.