Fetal Homicide Bill Gets Initial Approval

DENVER (CBS4) - There was initial approval in the Colorado House on Friday for a bill that would make the death of an unborn child after a crime a homicide.

Republicans are upset the bill removed a clause for Catholic hospitals. Democrats said it was unnecessary since the state can't force any private institution to perform a special service.

"We're taking a bill in which we say that we're offering greater protections for pregnant women, and there's no doubt, members, that that's needed; but then we're stripping protections from members of our medical community. How is that right?" said Rep. Jared Wright, R-Fruita.

"We've done best we can do and I guess I would say, 'Let's not let the best be the enemy of the good.' I know some folks would like personhood in this bill, but the voters have said 'no,' " said Rep. Claire Levy, D-Boulder.

The bill still needs final approval in the House before heading to the Senate.