HB18 - Alabama Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

• Prohibits elective abortions at 20 or more weeks postfertilization, with exceptions only when the pregnant woman's life or health is at serious medical risk, excluding psychological or emotional conditions.

• Requires physicians to determine the probable postfertilization age of the unborn child before performing an abortion, except in medical emergencies.

• Establishes legislative findings that unborn children can feel pain by 20 weeks postfertilization based on the presence of pain receptors and nerve connections to the brain.

• Mandates physicians report all induced terminations of pregnancy to the Office of Vital Statistics, including postfertilization age, abortion method, and medical justification for abortions at 20+ weeks.

• Creates criminal penalties (Class C felony) for violations and allows civil actions by women, the father of the unborn child, or authorized representatives for actual and punitive damages, while shielding women from prosecution or penalties.