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But those speaking in opposition, including several Senate Democrats, warned that the term “unborn child†has no accepted legal or medical definition and that the measure is a veiled attempt to erode abortion rights. Similar laws in other states have resulted in pregnant women being prosecuted for crimes against their fetuses, opponents said.
Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, said the bill actually would undermine the interests of both mother and baby in cases of substance abuse, domestic violence or suicidal thinking. Instead of seeking treatment for such risky behaviors and conditions, he said, women could fear being prosecuted if they report their concerns.
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