Signed by Governor Jack Dalrymple

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that provides further regulations concerning abortions.

Highlights:

• Expands the definition of "abortion" to include using or prescribing medicine or drugs with the intent of terminating a pregnancy (Sec. 1).

• Requires the state Department of Health to publish materials that contain, but are not limited to, the following information (Sec. 2):
• That it is illegal for an individual to coerce a woman into undergoing an abortion;
• That if a minor is denied financial support by her family on the basis of her refusal to undergo an abortion, then she is eligible for public assistance benefits;
• That there are many public and private agencies that provide assistance with pregnancies and child care;
• Descriptions of the legal obligations of a child's father, including child support payments and health insurance;
• Descriptions of the physical development, including the brain and heart function, for the stages of fetal development; and
• Descriptions of the various surgical and drug-induced methods of abortion, as well as the long-term medical risks associated with each abortion method and possible psychological effects.

• Specifies that a person who intentionally causes the death of a fetus born alive is guilty of a class AA felony, whereas under existing law an individual that knowingly or negligently causes the death of a fetus born alive is guilty of a class C felony (Sec. 9).

• Prohibits a state agency or a person acting in an official capacity as an employee or agent of a school district from having any part in materials or programs that give preference to abortion over normal childbirth (Secs. 11 & 13).

Full Bill Text