HF2253: Pregnant Female Terminology

Replaces the term "pregnant person" with "pregnant female" throughout multiple statutory sections dealing with the termination of pregnancy, feticide, and related offenses. No substantive changes are made to the criminal offenses or penalties themselves; the changes are strictly to the terminology used to refer to the pregnant individual in the law.

Key Points & Impact:

• Replaces the term 'pregnant person' with 'pregnant female' in all references within the affected statutes.

• Amends Section 707.7 (Feticide) and Section 707.8 (Nonconsensual termination of pregnancy and related offenses) to use 'pregnant female'.

• Adjusts language in provisions concerning obtaining consent, knowledge, and voluntary consent of the pregnant individual to specify 'female'.

• Clarifies that exceptions for medical procedures and acts or omissions by the pregnant individual now refer to 'pregnant female'.

• Updates Section 708.2(4), related to assault against a pregnant individual, to refer to 'pregnant female'.

• No changes to the criminal definitions, penalties, or exceptions—this is strictly a terminology update.

• Ensures consistency in gendered language across statutes concerning pregnancy.

• Does not impact the application or scope of the offenses—only the phrasing is changed.

Signed by Governor on April 16. Takes effect July 1, 2026.