CS/HB 277 Summary

• Restricts abortions in the third trimester or after fetal viability to cases where two physicians certify necessity to prevent death or substantial bodily harm to the pregnant woman, or in medical emergencies with only one physician available.

• Requires 24-hour waiting period and informed consent procedures including ultrasound with opportunity to view images, gestational age verification, and information about fetal pain capability at 20+ weeks and alternatives to abortion.

• Prohibits instillation abortions and partial-birth abortions except when necessary to save the mother's life; requires second physician present for live births during attempted abortions and mandate care for infants born alive.

• Mandates physicians performing abortions complete 3 hours annual ethics training; requires abortion clinics be owned/operated by physicians trained in dilation procedures; restricts third-trimester abortions to hospitals only.

• Increases fines for violations from $5,000 to $1,000 per violation; requires monthly reporting of abortion data by facilities; mandates clinics display notices prohibiting third-trimester abortions; effective July 1, 2012.