AL HB518

Creates the Prenatal Equal Protection Act defining "person" in homicide and assault laws to include unborn children from the moment of fertilization at any stage of development, regardless of viability.

Authorizes prosecution for homicide or assault against an unborn child unless the death or injury occurred in life-saving attempts for the mother (with reasonable steps taken to save the unborn child) or resulted from spontaneous miscarriage.

Removes existing exemptions protecting licensed health care providers from prosecution for deaths or injuries to unborn children caused by lawful medical care or medication provided to pregnant women.

Permits the duress defense for mothers charged with murder of their unborn child if compelled by threat of imminent death or serious physical injury.

Requires prosecutions involving unborn child victims to be treated identically to prosecutions for born persons, including same legal presumptions, defenses, and immunities; becomes effective June 1, 2025.