HB 491 Summary

• Establishes that a child born alive after an abortion or attempted abortion in an abortion or reproductive health center has the same rights and legal status as any other child born alive in Alabama.

• Requires physicians who perform abortions to exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of a child born alive as would be provided to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.

• Classifies failure to preserve the life and health of such a child as a Class B felony punishable by at least 20 years in state prison and a fine of at least $100,000.

• Exempts women from liability under the law and requires confidential reporting of physician violations to the Alabama Attorney General.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.