In 2023, legislation in various states has emerged that defines fetuses as legal persons, exposing women to potential homicide charges for obtaining abortions. This shift reflects a broader strategy of the anti-abortion movement, which has become emboldened since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, as documented by Mary Ziegler in her book on this topic. The rise of fetal personhood laws suggests a heightened aggressiveness that disregards public sentiment, underscoring a transition towards a legal framework that prioritizes fetal rights above women's autonomy.
Lawmakers in at least 12 states are now introducing fetal personhood laws that could hold women criminally accountable for abortions, with severe penalties including homicide charges.
The anti-abortion movement has increasingly embraced fetal personhood, diminishing concern for public opinion and pushing the legal boundaries around women's reproductive rights.
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