June 19, 1852: An Act Abolishing the Punishment of Women Who Become Pregnant by Fornication or Adultery

In the statute below, a woman who became pregnant by “fornication” or “adultery” would not be fined or punished until after the birth of the child. If the child lived past the age of four months, the woman would not be punished. But if the child failed to live to the age of four months, the woman would be found guilty and punished in accordance with Chapter XIII of the Penal Code.

Available in Session Laws, He Kumukanawai a me Na Kanawai, 1852.

HE KANAWAI

E HOOLE ANA I KA HOOPAI ANA I NA WAHINE I LOAA NA KEIKI MOEKOLOHE

E HOOHOLOIA e na ʻLii a me ka Poeikohoia o ko Hawaii Pae Aina, i akoakoa i ka Ahaolelo kau Kanawai.

PAUKU I. Ina mokekolohe kekahi wahine a hapai i kona moekolohe ana; alaila, aole e hoopaiia kela wahine a hiki i ka manawa e hanau ai; alaila, ina aole ola ke keiki a hala na malama eha, mai ka hanau ana mai; e hoohanaia no ia wahine e like me ka olelo o ka Mokuna XIII o na Kanawai Hoopai Karaima i hooholoia ma ka Hale Ahaolelo i ka la 321 o Iune, M.H. 1850; aka ina e ola ke keiki a hala ia manawa i oleloia maluna, alaila aole e hoopaiia ia wahine.

PAUKU II. E lilo keia i Kanawai i kona la i hoolahaiaʻi ma ka Nupepa Poluneia a me ka Elele Hawaii.

Aponoia i keia la 19 o Iune, M.H. 1852.

KAMEHAMEHA.

KEONI ANA.