Summary of HB248

• Prohibits abortion after fetal heartbeat detection: Creates felony penalties for performing or inducing abortion on a pregnant woman carrying an unborn human individual with a detectable fetal heartbeat, except in medical emergencies to prevent death or serious bodily harm to the mother.

• Requires fetal heartbeat testing: Mandates physicians determine presence of fetal heartbeat prior to abortion using standard medical practice methods appropriate to estimated gestational age.

• Establishes informed consent requirements: Requires 24-hour waiting period and written notification to pregnant woman that fetal heartbeat has been detected, along with information about statistical probability of survival to term based on gestational age.

• Creates reporting and documentation obligations: Physicians must report abortions to Department of Health and maintain medical records documenting compliance with heartbeat detection and informed consent provisions.

• Establishes enforcement mechanisms: Violations subject to criminal penalties (felonies and misdemeanors), civil liability for damages, and physician disciplinary action including license suspension or revocation.

• Creates Joint Legislative Committee on Adoption Promotion: Establishes committee to study adoption processes and increase awareness of adoption as an alternative.