AR SR16

Authorizes introduction of legislation creating the Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act of 2022, which prohibits abortion except in cases of incest, rape (with law enforcement documentation), or to save the pregnant woman's life in a medical emergency.

Defines "unborn child" as an individual organism of the species Homo sapiens from fertilization until live birth, and establishes that performing or attempting to perform an abortion violates the act as a Class A felony.

Repeals the prior Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act (Subchapter 4) and replaces it with new provisions that include affirmative defenses for accidental or unintentional harm caused during medical treatment and prohibits charging women with criminal offenses related to their own unborn child's death.

Declares an emergency clause, finding existing abortion restrictions insufficient and stating the act becomes effective upon gubernatorial approval, expiration of the veto period, or veto override.

Contains legislative findings comparing abortion to historical injustices and citing scientific advances, state constitutional provisions, prior Arkansas legislation, and adoption alternatives as rationale for the prohibition.