Criminal Immunity Granted to Pregnant Women for Certain Behaviors

This bill would have added language to Minnesota statute 609.378, the statute which outlines criminal neglect or endangerment of a child, to include that a pregnant woman cannot be charged or convicted under this statute for use of drugs, experiencing abuse or violence, or failing to maintain optimal health. Of course, no pregnant woman should be criminally charged for experiencing violence or abuse, but this proposed statutory change could exempt pregnant women from intentional harm of their own unborn child.