AR HB1098

Amends Arkansas Code § 12-18-103(5) to redefine "child" or "juvenile" as an individual from the time a fetal heartbeat can be detected to 18 years of age, replacing the previous definition beginning at birth.

Creates new section 12-18-311 establishing reporting requirements for medical professionals to contact the Child Abuse Hotline regarding suspected abuse of an unborn child.

Limits the scope of reportable abuse for unborn children to specific types of abuse defined in § 12-18-103(2)(A)(vii)(f) and (g).

Establishes affirmative defenses to prosecution for abuse of an unborn child if the pregnant mother was unaware of pregnancy or was advised by a medical professional that a substance was safe to consume during pregnancy.