Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that prohibits abortion after the heartbeat of the fetus is detected.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any individual from knowingly performing or inducing an abortion on a pregnant individual if the heartbeat of the fetus has been detected, excepting in circumstances in which a physician or healthcare provider believes that an abortion will prevent the death or serious injury of the pregnant individual (Sec. 1).

• Requires a physician or healthcare provider to determine whether a fetal heartbeat is present before the performance or inducement of an abortion (Sec. 1).

• Establishes the following criminal penalties (Sec. 1):
• Felony in the fifth degree for performing or inducing an abortion without determining whether there is a fetal heartbeat; and
• Felony in the fifth degree for performing or inducing an abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat.

• Authorizes individuals to seek civil damages for the failure to determine the presence or lack of fetal heartbeat prior to abortion or performance or inducement of abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits abortion after the heartbeat of the fetus is detected.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any individual from knowingly performing or inducing an abortion on a pregnant individual if the heartbeat of the fetus has been detected, excepting in circumstances in which a physician or healthcare provider believes that an abortion will prevent the death or serious injury of the pregnant individual (Sec. 1).

• Requires a physician or healthcare provider to determine whether a fetal heartbeat is present before the performance or inducement of an abortion (Sec. 1).

• Establishes the following criminal penalties (Sec. 1):
• Felony in the fifth degree for performing or inducing an abortion without determining whether there is a fetal heartbeat; and
• Felony in the fifth degree for performing or inducing an abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat.

• Authorizes individuals to seek civil damages for the failure to determine the presence or lack of fetal heartbeat prior to abortion or performance or inducement of abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text