[SilentServiceCPO]

§ 32.1-249. Definitions:... 2. "Fetal death" means death prior to the complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a product of human conception, regardless of the duration of pregnancy; death is indicated by the fact that after such expulsion or extraction the fetus does not breathe or show any other evidence of life such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles. I understand your point, and anyone with common sense would say that criminal penalties shouldn't apply, but the legal definition of "Fetal Death" in VA specifically states that duration of pregnancy is irrelevant. Link is here: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+32.1-249

[mrsmith]

That certainly sounds like Cosgrove has made an error in terminology.