SB9 Summary

• Prohibits physicians from performing abortions 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 any abortion and document the procedure used and results in writing, maintained for at least seven years.

• Establishes exceptions allowing abortion if: no heartbeat is detected; the unborn child has a lethal anomaly (diagnosed condition resulting in death within three months after birth or stillbirth); the pregnancy is ectopic; or the abortion is necessary to prevent death or substantial irreversible impairment of the pregnant woman's major bodily function.

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

• Establishes license revocation and additional disciplinary action as penalties for physicians who violate the heartbeat requirements.