Vote to pass a bill that prohibits a physician from performing an abortion on a patient who is at least 20 weeks pregnant, effective July 1, 2015.
Highlights:
Prohibits a physician from performing or inducing an abortion on a viable fetus with a gestational age of at least 20 weeks, except in the following circumstances (Sec. 5):
The pregnant woman’s life or health is in danger and the physician has taken all “reasonable” steps to preserve the life and health of the fetus; or
The pregnant woman states that the pregnancy resulted from rape, incest, or sexual abuse.
Requires a physician to determine the gestational age and viability of the fetus before performing an abortion if the physician believes that the woman is at least 20 weeks pregnant (Sec. 5).
Establishes the following penalties for a physician who violates the provisions of this bill (Sec. 6):
A fine of at least $5,000 per violation; and
The revocation or suspension of the physician’s medical license for at least 1 year.
Authorizes an employee of a medical facility to refuse to participate in abortion-related medical procedures or dispense abortion-related medication on moral or religious grounds (Sec. 8).