Topeka ? People could be prosecuted for attacking, injuring or killing a fetus under a bill endorsed Wednesday by the House Federal and State Affairs Committee.

The measure, sent to the entire House for debate on a 13-6 vote, declares that an “unborn child” is considered a person under Kansas criminal laws, starting at conception.

The bill would not apply to abortion, other medical treatment or acts committed by a prospective mother against her own fetus.

Kansas law does not currently allow prosecution for harming or killing a fetus. Supporters of the bill argued that the state should address situations in which someone attacks a pregnant woman and injures her fetus or causes her to miscarry.

“This bill would recognize there is value in that unborn child,” said Rep. Bill Mason, R-El Dorado, who chairs the Federal and State Affairs Committee.

But opponents said the committee did not adequately consider the ramifications of the bill. Rep. Rick Rehorn, D-Kansas City, said a person could be prosecuted for causing an accident that leads to a miscarriage.

“It’s a little broadly scoped,” he said.

Rehorn also said the bill could be seen as a step toward restricting or banning abortion, noting that many of the bill’s proponents oppose the procedure.

But Mason said the measure is about protecting unborn children from crime.

“We have laws protecting the life and health of the mother, but we don’t have protections for the unborn child,” he said.

Proposed “Unborn Victims of Violence Act” is HB 2552.

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