HB 490 - Fetal Heartbeat Act Summary

• Prohibits physicians from performing abortions on pregnant women after a detectable fetal heartbeat has been determined using applicable medical standards of care.

• Requires physicians to check for a detectable heartbeat prior to performing an abortion and maintain written documentation of the procedure used, date performed, and results.

• Establishes exceptions allowing abortion without a detectable heartbeat check for ectopic pregnancies, lethal fetal anomalies, or when the mother's life or substantial bodily function is at risk (excluding psychological or emotional conditions).

• Makes it a Class C felony for a physician to fail to perform a heartbeat determination procedure or to perform an abortion when a heartbeat has been detected; pregnant women are exempt from prosecution.

• Authorizes license revocation and additional disciplinary action by regulatory authorities against physicians who violate the act's requirements; documentation must be maintained for at least 7 years and be available to patients, state health regulators, and licensure authorities upon request.