Arkansas Human Heartbeat and Human Life Civil Justice Act (SB15) Summary

• Creates the "Arkansas Human Heartbeat and Human Life Civil Justice Act" establishing that abortion is prohibited in Arkansas except to save the life of a pregnant woman in a medical emergency.

• Defines "unborn child" as an individual organism of the species Homo sapiens from fertilization until live birth, and "abortion" as any act to terminate pregnancy with knowledge it will cause death of an unborn child.

• Establishes private civil liability allowing any person or entity (except state/government officials) to sue those who perform abortions in violation of the law or knowingly aid and abet such abortions, including through insurance or financial support.

• Authorizes courts to award injunctive relief, statutory damages of at least $10,000 per abortion, compensatory damages, and attorney's fees to prevailing plaintiffs; creates a 3-year statute of limitations for civil actions.

• Declares an emergency effective immediately, citing out-of-state residents entering Arkansas for abortions and increased abortion rates; provides extensive severability provisions to preserve law if portions are found unconstitutional.