HB 167 - Florida Heartbeat Act Summary

• Requires physicians to test for and inform women of detectable fetal heartbeat before performing an abortion, with exceptions for medical emergencies.

• Prohibits abortion if a detectable fetal heartbeat is present or if physician fails to conduct the required test.

• Establishes private civil enforcement allowing any person (except state/local officials) to sue violators for minimum $10,000 per abortion plus attorney fees and injunctive relief.

• Prevents state officials from enforcing the law and prohibits certain persons from asserting women's rights as a defense unless they are abortion providers; disallows "undue burden" claims in most circumstances.

• Makes violators of abortion laws liable for attorney fees and costs to prevailing defendants in lawsuits challenging abortion restrictions; takes effect July 1, 2022.