The born alive rule is a common law legal principle that holds that various criminal laws, such as homicide and assault, apply only to a child that is "born alive". U.S. courts have overturned this rule, citing recent advances in science and medicine, and in several states feticide statutes have been explicitly framed or amended to include fetuses in utero.
The live birth rule is a common law legal doctrine that applies criminal laws, such as homicide and assault, only to a child that has reached a stage of development where it can survive outside the womb. U.S. courts have overturned this rule, citing recent scientific and medical advancements, and in several states, feticide statutes have been explicitly rephrased or amended to include fetuses in utero.