Senate Committee Advances Civil Action for Wrongful Death of an Unborn Child

SB 476 (Grall) was approved by the Senate Fiscal Policy committee on Thursday by a 10-6 vote. FCCB indicated its support for the bill, which would allow parents to file a lawsuit under Florida's wrongful death statute with the purpose of recovering damages for the wrongful death of their unborn child. Forty-three other states allow parents recourse to civil suits following the wrongful death of their unborn infant. Both SB 476 and its companion in the House, HB 651 (Persons-Mulicka) prohibit legal action against a mother for the death of her own unborn child. 

HB 651 has one remaining committee of reference, while SB 476 is now in the Rules Committee.