Georgia § 52-7-12 - 3. Feticide by vessel.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 52-7-12 — 3. Feticide by vessel., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 52-7-12. 3. Feticide by vessel.
For the purposes of this Code section, the term "unborn child" means a member of the species homo sapiens at any stage of development who is carried in the womb. A person commits the offense of feticide by vessel in the first degree if he or she causes the death of an unborn child by any injury to the mother of such child through the violation of subsection (j) of Code Section 52-7-8.2, Code Section 52-7-12 or 52-7-12.1, subsection (b) of Code Section 52-7-13, subsection (a) of Code Section 52-7-14, or subsection (c) of Code Section 52-7-25, which would be homicide by vessel in the first degree as provided in subsection (a) or (b) of Code Section 52-7-12.2 if it resulted in the death of such mother. A person convicted of the offense of feticide by vessel in the first degree shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than three years nor more than 15 years. A person commits the offense of feticide by vessel in the second degree if he or she causes the death of an unborn child by any injury to the mother of such child by violating any provision of this title other than subsection (j) of Code Section 52-7-8.2 , Code Section 52-7-12 or 52-7-12.1 , subsection (b) of Code Section 52-7-13 , subsection (a) of Code Section 52-7-14 , or subsection (c) of Code Section 52-7-25 , which would be homicide by vessel in the second degree as provided in subsection (c) of Code Section 52-7-12.2 if it resulted in the death of such mother. A person convicted of the offense of feticide by vessel in the second degree shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in Code Section 17-10-3 . (Code 1981, § 52-7-12.3 , enacted by Ga. L. 1995, p. 236, § 2; Ga. L. 2006, p. 643, § 4/SB 77; Ga. L. 2008, p. 1164, § 5/SB 529.) Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 2006, p. 643, § 5/SB 77, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that this Act shall apply to all offenses committed on or after July 1, 2006. Ga. L. 2008, p. 1164, § 6/SB 529, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that the amendment to this Code section shall apply to all offenses committed on or after July 1, 2008. Law reviews. - For article on the 2006 amendment of this Code section, see 23 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 37 (2006).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 52-7-12
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 52-7-12 cover?
Section 52-7-12 ("3. Feticide by vessel.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 52-7-12?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 52-7-12" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 52-7-12 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.