HB 395 - "Florida for Life Act" Summary

• Creates comprehensive abortion prohibition in Florida with criminal penalties including first-degree felonies for inducing, performing, or assisting in induced abortions, and enhanced penalties if serious bodily injury or death results.

• Permits termination of pregnancy only when two physicians certify necessity to prevent death or avert significant risk to pregnant woman's physical health, or to treat life-threatening disease; allows single physician certification in medical emergencies with documentation required.

• Requires voluntary informed consent from patient (or parent/guardian for minors or mentally incompetent patients), termination only by licensed physician, and ultrasound/viability determination for pregnancies at 22 weeks or later, with standard of care requiring fetus preservation efforts while prioritizing pregnant woman's life and health.

• Prohibits fetal experimentation except to protect fetus or premature infant health, requires fetal remains disposal per Department of Health rules, mandates provision of adoption information to patients, and grants healthcare conscience protections allowing refusal to participate in procedures.

• Effective July 1, 2013; includes contingency provision creating alternative statute (s. 390.01117) to take effect only if main prohibition is declared unconstitutional or enforcement enjoined.