US passes unborn crime victims law

THE US senate has voted to make it a separate offence to harm a foetus during a violent crime, in a victory for those seeking to expand legal rights of the unborn.

The Unborn Victims of Violence Act cleared the senate on a 61-38 vote on Thursday.

The measure is limited in scope, applying only to harm to a foetus while a federal crime is being committed against the pregnant mother, such as terrorist attacks, drug-related shootings or attacks on federal lands or military bases.