Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that bans the abortion of a fetus if it is determined to be viable, except in cases where an abortion is necessary to prevent the death or risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the performance or attempted performance of an abortion, except in the case of a medical emergency, after the beginning of week 20 of gestation unless the physician determines that the fetus is not viable (Sec. 1).

• Defines "viable" as the stage of development of a human fetus at which, based upon the reasonable judgment of a physician, there is a realistic possibility that life can be maintained or nourished outside of the womb, with or without temporary artificial life-sustaining support (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that terminating or attempting to terminate a human pregnancy after viability is a felony of the fourth degree, and that a physician who does so will have his or her license to practice in the state revoked (Sec. 1).

• Requires the physician to determine, before performing or attempting to perform an abortion, if the unborn child is viable, and specifies that failure to do so is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, punishable by the suspension of the physician's license for at least 6 months (Sec. 1).

• Requires physicians to perform abortions in a hospital or other health care facility that has appropriate neonatal services for premature infants (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the abortion shall not be considered necessary on the basis of a claim or diagnosis that death or substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function will occur because of any condition related to the pregnant woman's mental health (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that bans the abortion of a fetus if it is determined to be viable, except in cases where an abortion is necessary to prevent the death or risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the performance or attempted performance of an abortion, except in the case of a medical emergency, after the beginning of week 20 of gestation unless the physician determines that the fetus is not viable (Sec. 1).

• Defines "viable" as the stage of development of a human fetus at which, based upon the reasonable judgment of a physician, there is a realistic possibility that life can be maintained or nourished outside of the womb, with or without temporary artificial life-sustaining support (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that terminating or attempting to terminate a human pregnancy after viability is a felony of the fourth degree, and that a physician who does so will have his or her license to practice in the state revoked (Sec. 1).

• Requires the physician to determine, before performing or attempting to perform an abortion, if the unborn child is viable, and specifies that failure to do so is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, punishable by the suspension of the physician's license for at least 6 months (Sec. 1).

• Requires physicians to perform abortions in a hospital or other health care facility that has appropriate neonatal services for premature infants (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the abortion shall not be considered necessary on the basis of a claim or diagnosis that death or substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function will occur because of any condition related to the pregnant woman's mental health (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text