Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits abortions after 20 weeks, effective January 1, 2013.

Highlights:

• Prohibits abortions after a physician has determined that a fetus has reached a “probable postfertilization age” of 20 weeks except in the following circumstances (Sec. 4):
  
  • The abortion is necessary to avert death or severe harm to a crucial bodily function of the pregnant woman; or
  • The abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the fetus.

• Defines “postfertization age” as the age of the fetus as calculated from the time the ovum is fertilized (Sec 2).

• Classifies performing an abortion in violation of the provisions of this bill as a Class A felony (Sec. 7).

• Prohibits the state from issuing penalties against a woman receiving an abortion in violation of the provisions of this bill (Sec. 7).

• Requires physicians to report all abortions to the Department of Health and Human Services within 30 days of performing the abortion (Sec. 5).

• Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a public report providing statistics about abortions conducted in the State (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text