Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override a veto of a bill that prohibits an abortion if the fetus has a detectable heartbeat and is at least 12 weeks gestation.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the performance of an abortion if the fetus possesses a detectable heartbeat and is at least 12 weeks gestation, except in the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The abortion is necessary to save the life of the patient; 
• The continuation of the pregnancy will result in the impairment of a major bodily function of the patient;
• The abortion is necessary due to the existence of a lethal fetal disorder; or
• The pregnancy was a result of rape or incest.

• Requires the physician to perform an abdominal ultrasound on the patient prior to performing an abortion to detect the presence of a fetal heartbeat (Sec. 1).

• Requires the physician to inform the patient in writing if a fetal heartbeat is detected, and requires the patient to sign a form acknowledging that the abortion is prohibited (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the bill does not subject the patient to any criminal prosecution or civil penalty (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override a veto of a bill that prohibits an abortion if the fetus has a detectable heartbeat and is at least 12 weeks gestation.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the performance of an abortion if the fetus possesses a detectable heartbeat and is at least 12 weeks gestation, except in the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The abortion is necessary to save the life of the patient; 
• The continuation of the pregnancy will result in the impairment of a major bodily function of the patient;
• The abortion is necessary due to the existence of a lethal fetal disorder; or
• The pregnancy was a result of rape or incest.

• Requires the physician to perform an abdominal ultrasound on the patient prior to performing an abortion to detect the presence of a fetal heartbeat (Sec. 1).

• Requires the physician to inform the patient in writing if a fetal heartbeat is detected, and requires the patient to sign a form acknowledging that the abortion is prohibited (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the bill does not subject the patient to any criminal prosecution or civil penalty (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vetoed by Governor Mike Beebe

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that prohibits an abortion if the fetus has a detectable heartbeat and is at least 12 weeks gestation.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the performance of an abortion if the fetus possesses a detectable heartbeat and is at least 12 weeks gestation, except in the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The abortion is necessary to save the life of the patient; 
• The continuation of the pregnancy will result in the impairment of a major bodily function of the patient;
• The abortion is necessary due to the existence of a lethal fetal disorder; or
• The pregnancy was a result of rape or incest.

• Requires the physician to perform an abdominal ultrasound on the patient prior to performing an abortion to detect the presence of a fetal heartbeat (Sec. 1).

• Requires the physician to inform the patient in writing if a fetal heartbeat is detected, and requires the patient to sign a form acknowledging that the abortion is prohibited (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the bill does not subject the patient to any criminal prosecution or civil penalty (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits an abortion if the fetus has a detectable heartbeat and is at least 12 weeks gestation.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the performance of an abortion if the fetus possesses a detectable heartbeat and is at least 12 weeks gestation, except in the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The abortion is necessary to save the life of the patient; 
• The continuation of the pregnancy will result in the impairment of a major bodily function of the patient;
• The abortion is necessary due to the existence of a lethal fetal disorder; or
• The pregnancy was a result of rape or incest.

• Requires the physician to perform an abdominal ultrasound on the patient prior to performing an abortion to detect the presence of a fetal heartbeat (Sec. 1).

• Requires the physician to inform the patient in writing if a fetal heartbeat is detected, and requires the patient to sign a form acknowledging that the abortion is prohibited (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the bill does not subject the patient to any criminal prosecution or civil penalty (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits an abortion from being performed if a fetal heartbeat is detected, effective immediately.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an abortion from being performed if a fetal heartbeat is detected, except in the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The abortion is necessary to save the life of the patient; or
• The pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.

• Requires an individual who is authorized to perform abortions under state law to perform a test on an abortion patient to determine if a fetal heartbeat is present prior to performing an abortion (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the bill does not prohibit the sale, use, prescription, or administration of a measure, drug, or chemical designed for contraceptive purposes (Sec. 1).

• Classifies a violation of this bill by an abortion provider as a Class D felony (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text