Which code addresses killing of a fetus, not the mother, with a 5 to 40 year penalty?

Which code addresses killing of a fetus, not the mother, with a 5 to 40 year penalty?

• A. 18.2-32.1
• B. 18.2-33.3
• C. 18.2-35-36
• D. 18.2-32.2

Answer: (D)

Fetal homicide statutes treat the death of a fetus as a separate victim, distinct from harm to the mother. In Virginia, the provision that fits this scenario makes it a felony to kill a fetus when the death is caused by someone other than the mother, and it assigns a punishment range of five to forty years in prison. This specific code, 18.2-32.2, is designed to address fetal death as its own offense rather than tying it to the mother’s actions or to other forms of homicide. The other statutes cover homicide of living persons or different offenses and do not establish this fetus-specific offense with that sentencing range. So, the code you’re looking for is 18.2-32.2.

Fetal homicide statutes treat the death of a fetus as a separate victim, distinct from harm to the mother. In Virginia, the provision that fits this scenario makes it a felony to kill a fetus when the death is caused by someone other than the mother, and it assigns a punishment range of five to forty years in prison. This specific code, 18.2-32.2, is designed to address fetal death as its own offense rather than tying it to the mother’s actions or to other forms of homicide. The other statutes cover homicide of living persons or different offenses and do not establish this fetus-specific offense with that sentencing range. So, the code you’re looking for is 18.2-32.2.