Family visits parliament as law reform named after daughter passes

A couple who fought for close to a decade to change the law to recognise unborn babies killed in criminal acts say they finally feel peace after legislation passed parliament last week.

A couple who fought for close to a decade to change the law to recognise unborn babies killed in criminal acts say they finally feel peace after legislation passed parliament last week.

Sarah and Peter Milosevic’s unborn daughter Sophie died after a drink and drug-affected driver crashed into their car, which also left the couple horrendously injured.

But because Queensland laws did not recognise Sophie’s life, the driver escaped with just a $950 fine and a five-month licence suspension.

Last week the couple took Sophie’s ashes to state parliament as legislation known as Sophie’s Law was passed, meaning courts will be required to treat the death of an unborn child as an aggravating factor during sentencing.

“It was very emotional, and very respectful, and it has brought us peace knowing that this has finally passed,” Ms Milosevic said. “This is for Sophie for the legacy she could not leave herself.

eter and Sarah Milosevic with their state MP Jim McDonald. Picture: David Clark

“This law reform has brought peace to myself, my husband and our children. Peace in knowing the loss of her life wasn’t for nothing that she counted, that Sophie mattered and that all babies matter.

“Of course we hope it never has to be used – but at least now there is a law, there is protection, if someone takes the life of a baby they are going to be charged.”

Sophie would have turned nine in August, and until now the couple have kept busy advocating for the law change, supported by their local MP Jim McDonald.

“It meant a lot to us that we had both sides not only supporting the law, but agreeing that it should have been done sooner,” Ms Milosevic said.

Mr McDonald said he was “honoured to be able to help”.

Ms Milosevic said that since Sophie’s death she had been contacted by 15 families who lost babies in tragic circumstances.

The Field family, who lost their unborn grandson Miles when his parents Matthew Field and Kate Leadbetter were killed in a Australia Day incident in 2021, welcomed the introduction of Sophie’s Law.

The teenage killer was sentenced only for the manslaughter of Matt and Kate, with no charges available to prosecute him for killing an unborn child. Matt’s parents Russell and Ann Field said the law was well overdue.

Mrs Field said the lack of recognition for lives lost like Miles added to the trauma for grieving families.

The couple said it should not have taken so long for Sophie’s Law to be introduced.

“It should have happened long before now,” Mr Field said.

“But it is good to hear it has finally passed.”