Title: Prohibits Abortion After Detection of Fetal Heartbeat
Vote Smart's Synopsis:
Vote to pass a bill that prohibits an abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat.
Highlights:
Prohibits an individual from knowingly and purposefully performing or inducing an abortion before determining whether fetal heartbeat exists, except in the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
The abortion is intended to prevent the death of the pregnant woman; or
The abortion is intended to prevent a “serious risk” of “substantial and irreversible impairment” of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.
Classifies the following violations as a felony of the fifth degree (Sec. 1):
Performing the abortion before determining whether there is a fetal heartbeat; or
Performing the abortion after a fetal heartbeat has been detected.
Exempts a physician who performs or induces an abortion in violation of this bill if he or she believes that a medical emergency exists that prevents compliance with the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).
Authorizes a woman to file a civil action against a physician who violates the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).
Requires a woman who prevails in the action to receive both of the following from the individual who committed the violation (Sec. 1):