Fetal assault bill fails, law will be discontinued

March 23, 2016 at 4:14 p.m. | Updated March 23, 2016 at 4:20 p.m.

by Associated Press

FILE - This Feb. 17, 2016 file photo shows the Supreme Court in Washington. The Supreme Court is taking up a challenge from faith-based groups that object to an Obama administration effort to ensure their employees and students can get cost-free birth control. The justices are hearing arguments March 23 on the sixth anniversary of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul in a case at the intersection of the law, religion and birth control. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
FILE - This Feb. 17, 2016 file photo shows the Supreme Court in Washington. The Supreme Court is taking up a challenge from faith-based groups that object to an Obama administration effort to ensure their employees and students can get cost-free birth control. The justices are hearing arguments March 23 on the sixth anniversary of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul in a case at the intersection of the law, religion and birth control. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A law allowing assault charges to be filed against new mothers for prenatal drug use will be removed after failing in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee.

WPLN-FM (bit.ly/22vIshQ) reports the bill failed Tuesday on a 3-3 vote.

Tennessee passed the law two years ago amid a rising epidemic of babies who were born addicted to drugs like heroin and pain pills. The law had a "sunset" provision, which means it had to be renewed this year or it would be discontinued.

Critics of the bill, including doctors, argued the threat of arrest sent women into hiding.

Supporters said it appeared the bill was working, but there still wasn't enough evidence to determine its merits.

The station reports the law should be removed by July.

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