RALEIGH (AP) — The mother of a pregnant woman killed four years ago says a new law allowing prosecutors to charge someone separately for injuring or killing an unborn child will hold attackers accountable.
Effie Steele and the family of another woman who was killed attended a news conference Wednesday in Raleigh to highlight one of 35 new laws that will be enforced beginning Dec. 1.
The law means suspects in attacks on pregnant women can now face separate counts — from assault to murder — on the fetus as well. The new law does not apply to legal abortions.
Other laws taking effect will allow authorities to seize a car used in a serious police chase and give homeowners the benefit of the doubt that shooting an intruder was justified.
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