HB 154 - Fetal Heartbeat Act

• Prohibits physicians from performing abortions on pregnant women after a detectable heartbeat has been determined in the unborn child, using applicable medical standards of care.

• Requires physicians to check for a detectable heartbeat prior to performing an abortion and document in writing the procedure used, date performed, and results.

• Establishes exceptions for ectopic pregnancies, lethal fetal anomalies, and abortions necessary to prevent death or substantial irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman (excluding psychological or emotional conditions).

• Constitutes a Class C felony for a physician to fail to perform a heartbeat detection procedure or to perform an abortion after heartbeat is detected; violating physicians face license revocation and additional disciplinary action; pregnant women are not subject to prosecution.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.