Senate Passes Bill Allowing Termination of Rapist's Parental Rights

From Michigan Radio:

A new law would protect rape victims from a custody battle with their rapists when a child is conceived.

The Michigan Senate unanimously passed legislation this week that would allow courts to terminate a rapist's parental rights to a child conceived by the rape of the mother.

Senate Bill 629 was introduced by Republican Sen. Rick Jones earlier this month.

"I want to ensure that victims of rape are not faced with a custody battle from their rapist," Jones said.

Current state law allows a court to terminate parental rights once a rapist is criminally convicted.

SB 629 would allow courts to terminate all rights upon the victim petitioning before a family court judge, requiring a lower burden of proof.

Read more here.