Impregnated rape victims who abort would be guilty of evidence tampering, according to a New Mexico legislator who introduced a bill earlier this week addressing post-rape procedures.
The bill, H.B. 206, states: “Tampering with evidence shall include procuring or facilitating an abortion, or compelling or coercing another to obtain an abortion, of a fetus that is the result of criminal sexual penetration or incest with the intent to destroy evidence of the crime.”
State Rep. Cathrynn Brown, a Republican, says in various media reports that she introduced the bill as a means of punishing rapists who then convince their victims to abort as a means of hiding their crimes. But critics say the bill’s language actually requires impregnated sexual assault victims to give birth, else face felony charge.
The bill allows for violators to be charged with a third-degree felony, which carries a sentence of three years in prison.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.