Fetal Homicide Law At Issue In NC

Save

Posted: 11:49 PM Apr 10, 2008
Last Updated: 12:15 PM Apr 11, 2008

17 comments

A | A | A

The Maria Lauterbach murder case sparked nationwide attention around the issue of a fetal homicide law in North Carolina.

Right now, according to state law, a person who kills a pregnant woman can not be charged with the resulting death of the unborn child.

North Carolina is only 1 of 12 states without the law, the only state without the law in the south. However, the family of a murdered pregnant woman, Jenna Nielsen is fighting to change that.

With the help of Representative Trudi Walend, the family is supporting a bill that seeks a separate murder charge for unborn victims of violence. Nielsen was murdered in June of 2007, while delivering newspapers in Raleigh.

Rep. Walend says opposers to house bill 263, fear a fetal homicide law will reverse Roe vs. Wade.

Related Links

Justice For Jenna Website

More Stories
Man Drags SC Officer During Stop

UPDATE: Suspect In Greenville Double Murder Claims Innocence

Town Waives Parking Tickets For First Time Offenders

State Trooper Fired After Drunken Driving Arrest

UPDATE: Former NFL QB Steve McNair Shot To Death

Update: Three Dead In Ocracoke Fireworks Explosion

Teen Killed In Gastonia Bank Parking Lot

Coroner: Teen 5th Killed By Apparent Serial Killer

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Grandma T Location: Nampa, Idaho on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:28 AM
We lost two very precious human beings, our granddaughter and great grandson, and the murderer should be aqccountable for what he did. If they were related to those who oppose this bill I really think they would support it. May Jenna and Ethan rest in peace...someday...when this bill is passed, and the murderer caught!

Posted by: Niki on Apr 14, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Jonathan, you dont know me, nor do I know you. I dont agree with abortion being used as a form of birth control by no means, but if a woman is raped and becomes pregnant, that should be her option to keep the child or not. Or I suppose she can ask the attacker to hold on a minute while she grabs a condom for him to wear or whatever.... Some of you people need to think before you type and stop jumping to conclusions about everyone. I said I do agree with a murderer being charged with 2 murders, I dont agree with the government governing what a woman can or cannot do with her own body. Two separate issues, but of course you are going to get someone closed minded to right a law that will give us women no choice.

Posted by: Jonathan on Apr 11, 2008 at 03:27 PM
To Nikki, it was also your choice not to use protection and therefore shows you are incapable of reasonable decisions, this is one case where I believe goverment should take control.

Posted by: Melvin Location: Jacksonville on Apr 11, 2008 at 11:09 AM
The Roe vs Wade zealots in NC are indirectly responsible for the murder of many unborn children. "Oh I hope it doesn't interfere with Roe vs Wade." Abortion and outright murder are two separate and distinct actions. They cannot be connected, but abortion activists are so worried that Roe vs Wade will be overturned in NC they are allowing and willing accomplices to the murderers of these children just to protect the rights to abortion. This is an absurd line of thinking and is a sad day in NC justice that a murderer can walk away Scott free from murdering a child in the most brutal fashion. Why is it that we give more protection to a red headed woodpecker, but not an unborn child? My opinion is that I could care less about abortion or the pro lifers, but murder is murder no matter how you cut it.

Posted by: Niki on Apr 11, 2008 at 09:31 AM
I just hope that this Bill doesnt interfere with Roe v. Wade. I agree, if someone murders someone who is pregnant they should be charged with 2 murders. However, I dont agree with government, lawmakers or whomever, to think that they have the right to decide what a woman can do with her body in regards to an abortion. That is our choice, no one elses.

Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane,NC on Apr 11, 2008 at 02:02 AM
Come on folks lets get this thing done, write every one in Raleigh, your local police, what ever lets just get this done. Kevin I have signed on also.

Posted by: christi Location: salt lake city on Feb 5, 2008 at 09:53 AM
i agree with everyone this bill should be passed as we lost 2 lives not one!!! this monster took 2 people we loved from us and should be charged with 2 murders not 1! i hope everyone goes and helps us try to change this act

Posted by: L Location: edenton on Feb 4, 2008 at 09:52 PM
hope others will continue to visit the "justice for jenna" website, and take a minute to make their voice heard to our state lawmakers, in support of House Bill 263!!!

Posted by: Tammy Location: Perquimans, County on Feb 1, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Kevin, I am sorry for you and your families loss. I have logged on to the website and signed the petition. Your daughters death was a terrible thing I commend you and your family for turning it into what could be a saving grace for other families. God bless you and your family for all your doing.

Posted by: Kevin Location: Raleigh on Feb 1, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Marsha - Please go to our website justice4jenna.org there you will find the petition. Please fill it out. There are now nearly 8000 people who have signed the petition. You can also send an email from the website to help support House Bill 263. Thank you!

Posted by: marsha Location: greenville ne on Feb 1, 2008 at 04:07 AM
i am shocked to find out about this law in north carolina that does not protect maria lauterbachs baby.i will sign a petition if someone could tell me where to sign one.

Posted by: Candace Location: Air Station NC on Jan 31, 2008 at 11:21 PM
i am going to the web site right now and i will fill it out I am also having my family and friends do it as well. God Bless both families.

Posted by: Carol Location: Jax on Jan 31, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Hi, Kevin. I went to your webpage last week and filled out the form. Thank you for posting it because I didn't get a chance to sign the other petition at the vigil held for Maria Lauterbach. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Posted by: David Location: Manteo on Jan 31, 2008 at 08:04 PM
This should had been a law from the beginning of time! There shouldnt be any discussion about it now. These families lost two people to murder not just one. I also do hope that this interfers with Rowe V Wade.. Abortions are murder too! I dont care how you see it. Its a living human being from the moment of conception! Abortions are MURDER!!! Its about time we get some justice for these families and its about time we take control of murdering innocent babies because of grownups dont know how to use their brains!!! Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those loved ones who lost their loved ones and those babies! Maybe justice be served!!! God Bless!! Note: Edited slightly for content

Posted by: Kevin Location: Raleigh on Jan 31, 2008 at 07:40 PM
To everyone that believes we must do something about this. My daughter Jenna Nielsen was murdered last June in Raleigh, she was 8 1/2 months pregnant. When they catch the person who did this they will not be charged with two murders. THIS IS WRONG. You can help us change this. Please go to our website, www.justice4jenna.org and fill in your comments on the House Bill 263 page and hit submit, it will then send an email to our state leaders. They need to know that this Bill has to be passed. There is no family that should have to deal with this pain, knowing that their child or grandchild was not considered a baby, a viable human being.

Posted by: karen Location: havelock on Jan 31, 2008 at 07:00 PM
I THINK IT SHOULD BE A LAW !!!!A LIFE IS A LIFE.A UNBORN HEART BEATS AS WELL.FOR GOD SAKE;" WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR STATE AND COUNTRY"?LETS PASS A LAW!IT DOESNT MATTER IF THEY GET ONE LIFE OR FIVE LIVES IN PRISON,MAKE THEM BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS!

Most Viewed
1.	Update: Fireworks Truck Explodes On Ocracoke Island: Sheriff's Office Says Three Dead
2.	UPDATE: Suspect In Greenville Double Murder Claims Innocence
3.	Roommate Of Suspect Charged With Rape Of Four Year-Old Talks To WITN
4.	UPDATE: Children At Local Nudist Resort
5.	July 4th Fireworks In Eastern Carolina
6.	UPDATED: Mom Released From Jail After Authorities Find Filthy Home
7.	UPDATE: Former NFL QB Steve McNair Shot To Death
8.	UPDATE: NC Ferry Information
9.	Police: Serial Killer On Loose Near SC-NC Border
10.	State Trooper Fired After Drunken Driving Arrest

Services Held For Victims; Reward Offered In Case
710 Comments

NEW INFO: Washington Fire-Rescue-EMS Chief Speaks Out
306 Comments

Civil Rights Leaders Raise Concerns Over Race Issues Following Shooting
198 Comments

NEW INFO: Murder Warrant In Deadly 100+ MPH Crash
175 Comments

Report: Sarah Palin Announces Resignation
103 Comments

Correctional Officers Charged With Beating Inmate With Baton
95 Comments

Hey, read the rules!

Click one of the pictures below to see more or to upload your own photos and videos.

	CarSoup Search inventory from local dealers and private sellers.

	Rental Guide Video tours to help you find your next apartment.

	Double Dollar Deals Save 50% from local merchants.

	Classifieds THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.

	Experts Got a question? Ask Eastern Carolina's Experts.

	Business Break Two minutes of info from local businesses.

	Attorneys On Call Free legal information on a variety of topics.

	Video Home Tours Tour Eastern Carolina homes from your computer.