NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The embryo of a pregnant woman who is assaulted would also be a victim under a proposal that's headed to the governor for his consideration.
The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet was approved 28-2 in the Senate on Monday evening. The companion bill passed the House 80-18 last week.
Beavers said the proposal is necessary to punish a person for two counts of homicide or two counts of assault.
Under current law, the fetus is included as a human being. The legislation includes an embryo or fetus.
Democratic Sen. Beverly Marrero of Memphis, who voted against the measure, questioned "making embryos the same as a person."
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
