MO
Missouri House Bill HB1121

Missouri 2023 Regular Session

Missouri House Bill HB1121

Introduced
2/9/23  

Caption

Provides that an unborn child shall not be considered an employee for civil actions

Impact

The introduction of HB1121 would amend Chapter 537 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, creating a new section, 537.025. This amendment would mean that any civil actions taken against businesses or state agencies would explicitly exclude unborn children from being regarded as employees. The implications of this change could affect wrongful death claims and related civil suits, raising questions about the rights and legal standing of unborn children and how existing laws interact with this new definition.

Summary

House Bill 1121, also known as Jaxx's Law, aims to clarify the status of unborn children in the context of civil actions within the state of Missouri. Specifically, the bill proposes that an unborn child shall not be considered an employee in civil actions, including wrongful death actions. This legislative measure is designed to redefine the legal interpretation of who qualifies as an employee under Missouri law, particularly in scenarios involving unborn individuals, thereby ensuring that they cannot be categorized as such within the legal framework for civil claims.

Sentiment

Responses to HB1121 appear to divide legislators and advocates along ideological lines. Supporters of the bill may perceive it as a protective measure for unborn children, reinforcing the notion that they should be viewed separately from established employee rights. On the other hand, critics could argue that the bill undermines the acknowledgment of unborn children's presence in certain legal contexts, potentially hindering justice for families affected by wrongful death incidents involving unborn children.

Contention

The main contention surrounding HB1121 revolves around the balance between protecting unborn children and ensuring comprehensive legal rights are maintained for individuals in civil actions. There is concern from various advocacy groups that the bill might constrain the rights of families in wrongful death lawsuits, as it sets a precedent that could preclude compensation or legal recognition for unborn individuals. The debate over this bill engages crucial discussions about the definitions of life, legality in civil actions, and the growing implications of such laws on reproductive rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MO HB2484

Provides that an unborn child shall not be considered an employee for civil actions

MO HB2578

Provides that an unborn child shall not be considered an employee for civil actions

MO SB554

Providing that a fertilized human ovum or embryo existing outside the uterus of a human body shall not be considered an unborn child or human being.

MO S08682

Provides that any fertilized human ovum or human embryo existing outside of the uterus of a human body shall not be considered an unborn child, a minor child, a natural person, or any other term that connotes a human being for any purpose under state law.

MO A09412

Provides that any fertilized human ovum or human embryo existing outside of the uterus of a human body shall not be considered an unborn child, a minor child, a natural person, or any other term that connotes a human being for any purpose under state law.

MO S00539

Provides that any fertilized human ovum or human embryo existing outside of the uterus of a human body shall not be considered an unborn child, a minor child, a natural person, or any other term that connotes a human being for any purpose under state law.

MO HB1380

Child abuse; provide that babies born who test positive for controlled substances shall be considered.

MO HB1497

Health; human egg or human embryo is not considered an unborn child, a minor child, or a person; provide

MO S05086

Establishes that guardians ad litem in Westchester county are considered employees for the purposes of representation and indemnification in civil actions resulting from actions taken during the scope of their employment.

MO A05263

Establishes that guardians ad litem in Westchester county are considered employees for the purposes of representation and indemnification in civil actions resulting from actions taken during the scope of their employment.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.