HB 1095 | Mandatory life for fetal homicide

Session: 2021-2022

ACLU-PA Position: Opposes

HB 1095 (PN 1127) would create a new mandatory sentence of life imprisonment under 42 Pa. C.S. § 9715 for anyone convicted of third-degree murder of an unborn child who has been previously convicted at any time of murder, voluntary manslaughter, murder of an unborn child, or voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child.

The ACLU-PA uniformly opposes mandatory sentences. Mandatory life sentences are particularly obscene, since they don’t even pretend to reduce recidivism or rehabilitate. They are purely retributive punishments.

Check the bill's status here.