California · Penal Code
PEN §187: (a) Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought.
What this law says, in plain English
Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being or fetus with malice aforethought, with exceptions for lawful abortions, medical necessity to save the pregnant person's life, and acts by the pregnant person themselves.
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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.