Lufkin, Texas: Man gets life sentence under "Fetal Protection Law"

[Bluebear]

This is sad on so many levels.

===

LUFKIN, Texas — A 19-year-old accused of causing his teenage girlfriend to miscarry two fetuses by stepping on her stomach was convicted Monday of two counts of murder.

Gerardo Flores received an automatic life sentence because prosecutors did not seek the death penalty, which was available under the state's 2003 fetus protection law. (emphasis mine)

Erica Basoria, 17, acknowledged asking Flores to help end her pregnancy; she could not be prosecuted because of her legal right to abortion....

Texas law defines an embryo or fetus as an "individual" and allows criminal prosecution or civil action for a preventable injury or death of a fetus. The law exempts health care providers who perform a legal medical procedure, such as an abortion.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=825860

[rodeodance]

1. these kids need some therapy--what a waste!!

Erica Basoria, 17, acknowledged asking Flores to help end her pregnancy; she could not be prosecuted because of her legal right to abortion.

The defense contended that Basoria punched herself while Flores was stepping on her, making it impossible to tell who caused the miscarriage.

Basoria told authorities that, after about four months of pregnancy, she regretted not getting an abortion and started jogging and hitting herself to induce a miscarriage. When her efforts failed, she said she asked her boyfriend to help.

Flores did not testify, but earlier told police that he stepped on Basoria's stomach several times during the week before she miscarried......

[sam sarrha]

2. it isnt uncommon for some young girls to miscarry several times before

the hold till term.. my first wife had several.. then she started collecting DNA.. she now has 6 from 5 different men.

[sam sarrha]

3. and i dont think it is possable to abort that way...doesnt work that way

[slackmaster]

4. Another thread about this in LBN for people who are interested

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1528762