The house passed a measure which expands the protection of pregnant women.
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The house passed a measure which expands the protection of pregnant women.

Date: April 15, 2010
By: Alex Klingelhoeffer
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 1781

Intro:  The House passed a measure which allows pregnant women to use deadly force to defend themselves.
RunTime:  0:42
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: St. Louis County Democratic Representative Vicki Englund argued that state law already covers a woman's right to self defense.

Actuality:  ENGLUND5.WAV
Run Time:  00:13
Description: "I think a woman has a right to protect herself regardless of whether she is pregnant. I understand that when she is pregnant there is something else involved, but I guess what I'm saying is, I'm not sure I understand why this law is even necessary."

Washington Republican Representative Brian Nieves said that the bill closes a gap in the judicial system.

The measure is inspired by a pregnant Michigan woman who was convicted of manslaughter after killing a man who punched her in the stomach.

That case was later overturned on appeal.

The bill now goes to the Senate for approval.

From the State Capitol, I'm Alex Klingelhoeffer

Intro:  The house overwhelmingly passed a measure which allows a pregnant woman to use lethal force to protect an unborn child.
RunTime:  0:44
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Washington Republican Representative Brian Nieves said this measure closes a loophole in the judicial system.

Actuality:  NIEVES.WAV
Run Time:  00:14
Description: "Mr. Speaker, there is never a time when it should be OK for a prosecutor or the judicial system to convict a woman for protecting her unborn baby."

The bill is inspired by a pregnant Michigan woman who was convicted of manslaughter after killing a man who punched her in the stomach.

That case was later overturned on appeal.

St. Louis City Democrat and attorney Mike Colona said the bill is unnecessary; the law already covers any woman, pregnant or not, who needs to defend herself against an attacker.

From the State Capitol, I'm Alex Klingelhoeffer