Law bans assault on pregnant women

AUGUSTA – A bill that creates a new crime of elevated aggravated assault on a pregnant woman has been signed into law by Gov. John Baldacci. Convictions, under the new law, could lead to 30-year prison sentences.

The bill, which was signed Monday, applies to anyone who assaults a pregnant woman if the fetus she is carrying dies. The legislation does not apply to fetal deaths resulting from an abortion or medical care.

The measure originally sought to create crimes of fetal manslaughter and fetal murder if an attack on a pregnant woman killed her unborn fetus. It was referred to as a “Laci Peterson” bill, taking its name from the pregnant California woman who was killed in 2002 by her husband.

Scott Peterson was convicted in November of first-degree murder in the killing of Laci and second-degree murder for the slaying of her fetus. A month later, a jury recommended the death penalty for Scott Peterson.

The Maine bill, introduced by Rep. Brian Duprey, R-Hampden, was reworked and emerged as a compromise between abortion rights groups and “pro life” activists.

Earlier in the session, Baldacci signed a separate bill titled “An Act to Protect Motherhood,” which identifies the unique circumstances of domestic violence faced by pregnant women. It instructs judges to apply special weight to homicides involving women who are pregnant.