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VOL. 36 | NO. 16 | Friday, April 20, 2012
State Legislature
Bill to include embryo as human in assault
NASHVILLE (AP) — The embryo of a pregnant woman who is assaulted would also be a victim under a proposal that's headed to the governor for his consideration.
The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet was approved 28-2 in the Senate on Monday evening. The companion bill passed the House 80-18 last week.
Beavers said the proposal is necessary to punish a person for two counts of homicide or two counts of assault.
Under current law, the fetus is included as a human being. The legislation includes an embryo or fetus.
Democratic Sen. Beverly Marrero of Memphis, who voted against the measure, questioned "making embryos the same as a person."