HB237 Summary

• Requires physicians performing abortions in abortion or reproductive health centers to exercise reasonable care to preserve the life and health of any child born alive, applying the same standard as for any other child born alive in the state.

• Establishes a Class A felony charge for physicians who fail to preserve the life and health of a child born alive after an abortion or attempted abortion, with mandatory penalties of at least 20 years in state prison and a fine of at least $100,000.

• Defines "born alive" as complete expulsion or extraction from the mother of a product of conception that, after separation, breathes or has a heartbeat, umbilical cord pulsation, or definite voluntary muscle movement.

• Protects women from liability under this act and allows the Office of the Attorney General to enforce violations; requires confidential reporting of physician non-compliance.

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