HF 2230: Relating to the survival of, and the bringing of a cause of action for, wrongful death of an unborn child

What it does

This bill relates to the survival of, and the bringing of a cause of action for, the wrongful death of an unborn child. Code section 611.20 (actions survive) provides that all causes of action shall survive and may be brought notwithstanding the death of the person entitled or liable to the cause of action. The bill amends the Code section to provide that specifically for the purposes of the survival of, and the bringing of a cause of action for, wrongful death of an unborn child, “person” includes the unborn child. The bill defines “unborn child” as an individual organism of the species homo sapiens from fertilization to live birth.

House subcommittee · named January 31, 2024

• Rep. John H. Wills (R) · john.wills@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Taylor R. Collins (R) · taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell (D) · beth.wessel-kroeschell@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 8 for, 6 against

For: Iowa Baptists For Biblical Values; Iowa Catholic Conference; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; Iowa Right to Life Committee; Pulse Life Advocates; The Family Leader; The Family Leader Foundation; VALOR Iowa

Against: American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists; Family Planning Council of Iowa; Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund; Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Iowa Medical Society; Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa

In plain words

1. January 31, 2024Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. January 31, 2024House subcommittee named: Wills, J., Collins and Wessel-Kroeschell
3. February 7, 2024Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 13, 2024Approved by the House committee
5. February 14, 2024Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2518