Hornberger: Unborn babies hurt, killed in crimes are victims too

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Pamela Hornberger ensures unborn children can be considered victims if they are hurt, killed or placed in danger during the commission of a felony.

Current sentencing guidelines instruct the court to count each person placed in danger as a victim. However, the instructions do not define the terms “victim” or “person.” The ambiguity of the rules led to a question of whether a fetus qualifies as a person or a victim. The Michigan Court of Appeals recently addressed the issue, determining the unborn child was a victim.

Hornberger’s bill spells out the court’s decision in state law by clarifying that an embryo or fetus must be considered a crime victim for the purpose of sentencing guidelines.

“All families deserve justice if their children are hurt or killed during a crime,” said Hornberger, of Chesterfield Township. “Eliminating uncertainty in the law ensures criminals are properly sentenced for the full extent of the crimes they commit.”

The House Judiciary Committee approved House Bill 4500 Tuesday, advancing it to the full House for consideration.