GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1999

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 920

Short Title:  Vehicular Injury to Pregnant Woman.	(Public)

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Sponsors: Representatives Starnes; and Morris.

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Referred to:  Judiciary I.

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April 5, 1999

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR ENHANCED PUNISHMENT WHEN THE OFFENSE OF INJURY TO PREGNANT WOMAN BY VEHICLE IS COMMITTED.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  Article 3 of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 20-141.4A.  Injury to pregnant woman by vehicle.
(a)	Definitions. – The following definitions shall apply in this section:
(1)	Miscarriage. – The interruption of the normal development of the fetus, other than by a live birth, and which is not an induced abortion permitted under G.S. 14-45.1, resulting in the complete expulsion or extraction from a pregnant woman of the fetus.
(2)	Stillbirth. – The death of a fetus prior to the complete expulsion or extraction from a woman irrespective of the duration of pregnancy and which is not an induced abortion permitted under G.S. 14-45.1.
(b)	Any person who in the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle commits a felony which causes a pregnant woman to suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth is guilty of a felony that is one class higher than the felony committed."
Section 2.  This act becomes effective December 1, 1999, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.