Senate passes foetus crime law

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

The 61-38 vote on the Unborn Victims of Violence Act sends the legislation, after a five-year battle in Congress, to President George Bush for his signature. The White House said in a statement that it “strongly supports protection for unborn children”. The House passed the bill last month.