MS HB519

Prohibits dismemberment abortion procedures, defined as purposely dismembering a living unborn child using clamps, forceps, scissors, or similar instruments to kill the child, unless necessary to prevent serious health risk to the mother.

Exempts the pregnant woman from liability; also exempts medical staff and pharmacists acting under physician direction from criminal or civil liability for dismemberment abortion violations.

Establishes a priority remedy structure: injunctive relief first, then civil damages, then criminal prosecution; allows women, family members, and healthcare providers to seek injunctions against violators.

Authorizes civil damages including actual injuries and statutory damages equal to three times the cost of the abortion; awards reasonable attorney's fees to prevailing plaintiffs.

Establishes criminal penalties of up to $10,000 fine and two years imprisonment for violations, but only after civil remedies have been exhausted; effective July 1, 2016.