AR HB1646

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-1-102(13) to define "person" in the Arkansas Criminal Code to include an unborn child in utero at any stage of development for purposes of sections 5-10-101 through 5-10-105 and 5-4-604.

Defines "unborn child" as offspring of human beings from conception until birth.

Exempts from the unborn child definition: legal abortions with woman's consent (including ectopic or nonviable pregnancies), standard medical practice during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment, medical research or experimental medicine, assisted reproduction technology activities, and in vitro fertilization procedures before embryo transfer.

Prohibits charging or convicting a woman with any criminal offense related to the death of her own unborn child in utero.

Approved April 26, 2021.