H.R. 490 · 116th Congress
Heartbeat Protection Act of 2019
- Stage
- In committee
- Sponsor
- Steve King
- Introduced
- 2019-01-11
- Latest action
- 2019-01-11 · Introduced in House
Summary
Heartbeat Protection Act of 2019
This bill makes it a crime for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion (1) without determining whether the fetus has a detectable heartbeat, (2) without informing the mother of the results, or (3) after determining that a fetus has a detectable heartbeat.
It provides an exception for an abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical (but not psychological or emotional) disorder, illness, or condition.
A physician who performs a prohibited abortion is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.
A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.