HB 1434 Summary

• Prohibits physicians and other persons from knowingly performing abortions solely based on the sex of the unborn child, effective January 1, 2018.

• Requires physicians to ask pregnant women if they know the sex of the unborn child and inform them of the sex-selection abortion prohibition before performing an abortion.

• Establishes criminal penalties of Class A misdemeanor for knowingly performing a prohibited abortion and civil penalties including license suspension or revocation, damages up to 10 times the cost of the abortion, and injunctive relief.

• Exempts the pregnant woman from criminal and civil liability for receiving a prohibited abortion and protects her anonymity in proceedings; allows spouse, parent, guardian, healthcare provider, or the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief.

• Includes severability clause allowing the law to remain enforceable for post-viability abortions if struck down as applied to pre-viability pregnancies.