MS SB2692

Codifies Section 41-41-34.1 to prohibit abortion of a fetus with a detectable heartbeat without informed written consent from the pregnant woman, except when a medical emergency necessitates the procedure.

Requires physicians to determine whether a fetus has a detectable fetal heartbeat before performing an abortion according to standard medical practice, regardless of whether the State Department of Health promulgates regulations on examination methods.

Mandates that if a fetal heartbeat is detected, the physician must inform the pregnant woman in writing at least 24 hours before the abortion and provide statistical probability of bringing the fetus to term based on gestational age, with the woman signing a form acknowledging receipt of this information.

Prohibits abortion of a fetus with a detectable heartbeat except when necessary to prevent death or serious irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman, with the performing physician required to document medical rationale under penalty of perjury.

Adds physician license revocation or disciplinary action under Section 73-25-29(14) for performing an abortion prior to determining if a fetus has a detectable fetal heartbeat; takes effect July 1, 2012.