If the bill is approved, all state laws would be amended, replacing ’embryo’ and ‘fetus’ with ‘preborn’ child
A bill under consideration by Idaho’s State Legislature would, if adopted, replace the terms “embryo” and “fetus” with the phrase ” preborn child .”
Republican Representative Julianne Young is behind the proposal, House Bill #400 . If approved, the amended wording would apply to all state laws.
In arguing for its passage, Young has said she wants to correct inaccuracies in the law regarding certain words and definitions.
“The existing definition for fetus in statute as it stands now is inconsistent with the common understanding of what a fetus is,” Young said.
State law identifies embryos and fetuses as ” any human in utero .” The new bill would change it to “an individual organism of the species Homo sapiens from fertilization until live birth.”
The update will clear up any confusion out there, she said, and simplify matters, putting things in laymen’s terms.
Supporters suggested the change could help ease the burden of losing a pregnancy for expectant mothers.