The Brody Act - Bill tries to protect two victims/Passed
Bill tries to protect two victims Sunday, April 02, 2006 Like anybody, when 23-year-old Brandy Parker of Albertville was attacked last summer in her truck, she struggled mightily to protect herself. Her heroic efforts failed; Brandy was shot in the head and died, huddled under the steering wheel. But Parker was trying to protect more than her own life that hot July night. She was eight months pregnant and, with a mother's instinct, desperately wanted her baby to live. In Alabama, if Parker's killer ever is found (eight months later, he's still at large), he will only be charged with her murder, even though he also took the life of her unborn son. If a bill before the Legislature becomes law, those who injure or murder a pregnant woman would face charges against two victims, as it should be, instead of one. This is a good bill - and a long time coming. Alabama is one of only 18 states that does not recognize two victims instead of one when a pregnant woman is assaulted or killed. The proposed Alabama law is a strong one, too. Unlike similar laws in 12 states, the bill before the Legislature this week applies at conception of the child. That's the same requirement as in 20 other states. It makes sense; life begins at conception, and if a pregnant woman is assaulted or murdered, two people are being injured or killed, not one. The bill as originally passed in the House was controversial because some lawmakers felt it didn't go far enough to protect a woman who had a miscarriage. It must be noted that abortion never was an issue; this law specifically exempts a woman who has a legal abortion. But there was concern a woman who became ill and had a miscarriage could be charged with murder or manslaughter. That's a stretch, but new language clears up any possible confusion. Clearly, the law is directed toward criminals who attack pregnant women with the specific intent to hurt or kill them. With only a few days left in the session, lawmakers must work fast. Even though it won't apply to Brandy Parker's killer, the bill is being named in memory of her unborn son, Brody. The Brody Act brings Alabama in line with most other states that understand when a pregnant woman is assaulted or murdered, there are two victims, not one. http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/114397005416060.xml&coll=2

Governor Riley Signs Brody Bill into Law Governor Riley signed the Brody Bill into law Monday. The legislation recognizes two crimes instead of one when a pregnant woman is assaulted or killed. Alabama is the 33rd state to enact such a law. The Brody Bill is a result of a lot of hard work by Brandy Parker's family. The Albertville woman was eight months pregnant when she was killed last July. Her father, Roger Parker, says the new law will be a legacy for his daughter and her unborn son, Brody. http://www.waaytv.com/news/