HB 1509 Summary

• Prohibits abortion of an unborn human individual with a detectable fetal heartbeat except when a medical emergency necessitates the procedure.

• Requires physicians to determine the presence of a fetal heartbeat before performing an abortion and to inform the pregnant woman in writing of the detection and statistical probability of carrying to term.

• Makes performing an abortion without first determining fetal heartbeat subject to physician license revocation or disciplinary action under state medical board authority.

• Establishes the State Board of Health authority to promulgate regulations for appropriate methods of examining for fetal heartbeat based on standard medical practice.

• Brings forward the Mississippi Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act (Sections 41-41-151 through 41-41-169) establishing civil and criminal penalties for dismemberment abortion violations, with effective date July 1, 2018.