Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 2-103
Viable fetuses
Effective Oct 1, 2013Added by Acts 2005, c. 546, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2005. Amended by Acts 2005, c. 25, § 13, eff. April 12, 2005; Acts 2013, c. 156, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2013.State of Maryland
- (a) For purposes of a prosecution under this title, “viable” has the meaning stated in § 20-209 of the Health--General Article.
- (b) Except as provided in subsections (d) through (f) of this section, a prosecution may be instituted for murder or manslaughter of a viable fetus.
(c) A person prosecuted for murder or manslaughter as provided in subsection (b) of this section must have:
- (1) intended to cause the death of the viable fetus;
- (2) intended to cause serious physical injury to the viable fetus; or
- (3) wantonly or recklessly disregarded the likelihood that the person's actions would cause the death of or serious physical injury to the viable fetus.
- (d) Nothing in this section applies to or infringes on a woman's right to terminate a pregnancy as stated in § 20-209 of the Health--General Article.
- (e) Nothing in this section subjects a physician or other licensed medical professional to liability for fetal death that occurs in the course of administering lawful medical care.
- (f) Nothing in this section applies to an act or failure to act of a pregnant woman with regard to her own fetus.
- (g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to confer personhood or any rights on the fetus.
- (h) Repealed by Acts 2013, c. 156, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2013.
Added by Acts 2005, c. 546, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2005. Amended by Acts 2005, c. 25, § 13, eff. April 12, 2005; Acts 2013, c. 156, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2013.