Fetal Rights Laws’ Impact Extends From Abortion to HOV Lanes

Conservative states are trying to redefine what it means to be a person as they seek to impose new bans on abortion.

Giving embryos and fetuses the same rights as people raises questions in virtually every area of law, ranging from minor traffic violations to criminal prosecutions.

The fetal personhood provision in Georgia’s new abortion law includes embryos, once there’s a detectable heartbeat, which is at about six weeks, and fetuses in population counts. Parents can also claim them as a dependent minor for tax purposes, and fathers can be required to pay child support.

“It becomes an unsteady ground ...