Provides that an unborn child shall not be considered an employee for civil actions
If enacted, HB2578 would have significant implications for civil litigation in Missouri. The amendment seeks to redefine how unborn children are treated under state law, specifically in civil actions. By establishing that unborn children cannot be classified as employees, the bill could potentially limit the ability for certain types of claims to be made on their behalf in wrongful death lawsuits. This change could lead to fewer legal protections for unborn children in various civil contexts, impacting cases related to employment or business conduct.
House Bill 2578, also known as "Jaxx's Law," proposes an amendment to Chapter 537 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. The core provision of this bill states that for the purposes of any civil action, including wrongful death actions, an unborn child shall not be considered an employee of any business or state agency located within the state of Missouri. This definition aims to clarify the legal status of unborn children in the context of civil litigation.
The introduction of HB2578 may trigger debates regarding the implications of this redefinition of employee status. Opponents of the bill might argue that it undermines the rights of unborn children to be recognized in legal matters impacting their lives or deaths. Proponents may argue that the clarification is necessary for legal consistency and to prevent potential misuse of wrongful death claims associated with unborn children. These discussions reflect broader societal views on the rights of unborn children and the responsibilities of businesses and state agencies concerning prenatal welfare.