The issue follows the body (of the mother). See 18 Pick. (Mass.) 222.
Definition of Partus Sequitur Ventrem
Definitions from Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd Edition and Ballentine's Law Dictionary as are available for each term in each dictionary.
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Ballentine's Law Dictionary -
Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd EditionThe offspring follows the mother; the brood of an animal belongs to the owner of the dam; the offspring of a slave belongs to the owner of the mother or follow the cendition of the mother. A maxim of the civil law, which has been adopted in the law of England in regard to animals, though never allowed in the case of human beings. 2 Bl. Comm. 390, 94; Fortes. 42.