Law Commons^™

Fetal Interests Vs. Maternal Rights: Is The State Going Too Far?, Robin M. Trindel

Akron Law Review

Part One of this Comment traces the historical development and examines the current status of fetal rights. Part Two discusses the implications that the courts' recognition of fetal rights has spawned upon womens' lives. This Comment concludes that forcing women to undergo medical treatment to benefit their fetuses both ignores legal precedent and violates the woman's right to privacy and bodily integrity. The use of civil and criminal sanctions to punish women for prenatal conduct greatly affects all women while accomplishing nothing in furtherance of state goals.