Petition for unborn babies killed by DV

Almost 8000 people have signed a petition calling for a law to recognise unborn babies killed by domestic violence in NSW, following the recent stabbing death of a heavily pregnant mother-of-four.

Kirralee Paepaerei's unborn baby was at seven months' gestation and had been given the name Mia when her mother was allegedly murdered in a Sydney townhouse on September 22.

A statement attached to the change.org petition argues Mia should be recognised as a murder victim because she would probably have survived if born at that stage of the pregnancy, but by NSW law a baby has to draw breath before it is deemed a person.

Ms Paepaerei's de-facto partner of almost two years, Joshua Homann, remains in custody after being charged with the 37-year-old's murder at Mt Druitt.

Homann faces no charges over the death of the unborn child under NSW law.

"There is no justice for babies like Mia," the petition, created by an anonymous user, reads.

"In the eyes of the law, it's as if baby Mia didn't exist."

Dubbed Mia's Law, the petition is seeking justice for babies inside the womb specifically killed by domestic violence.

It is not the first time people have rallied around this issue.

In 2013, a controversial bill was put before the NSW parliament asking for a fetus that is either 20 weeks or 400 grams to be declared a legal person.

The bill, dubbed Zoe's Law, was named in honour of the unborn child of Brodie Donegan, who was hit by a drug-affected driver while walking on Christmas Day 2009.

It was still before the parliament when Jacqueline Sparks, then 27, lost her unborn daughter after a drug-affected driver smashed head-on into the car she was in.

Ms Sparks said the bill would have seen her daughter recognised as a child in court and hoped it would help other families faced with a similar situation in future.

However Zoe's Law met considerable opposition for fear it would place restrictions on abortion laws and failed to pass through the upper house because of time delays.

A candlelight vigil was held for Ms Paepaerei and baby Mia in Blacktown on Monday night.

National domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT. In an emergency call triple-zero.