Crimes against pregnant women would have new punishments under a bill passed in the Colorado House despite impassioned arguments about what penalties should be in place for offenses against fetuses.

Lawmakers had heated arguments about the bill, but it still passed with wide support from both parties on a 50-14 vote. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Lawmakers insist they're trying to avoid a fight over abortion, and focus on creating a new law to properly punish crimes against pregnant women.

The proposal would create new felony charges for unlawful termination of a pregnancy.

Most states have laws specifically dealing with how to punish people who harm pregnant women, resulting in the loss of a fetus.

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