HB493 Summary

• Excludes procedures to terminate ectopic pregnancies from the definition of "abortion" under Alabama law, unless a statute or rule explicitly applies to ectopic pregnancy procedures.

• Defines ectopic pregnancy as any pregnancy where a fertilized egg implants or attaches outside the uterus, including pregnancies implanted inside the cornu of the uterus.

• Exempts physicians from determining probable post-fertilization age of an unborn child prior to any medical procedure other than abortion.

• Limits reporting requirements for fetal deaths and pregnancy terminations to require post-fertilization age documentation only for abortion procedures, not other pregnancy terminations.

• Became effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (House passed 17-APR-12, Senate passed 26-APR-12).