H.B. No. 68 - Heartbeat Bill Summary

• Prohibits abortion of an unborn human individual with a detectable fetal heartbeat, with exceptions for medical emergencies or serious risk of substantial bodily function impairment

• Requires physicians to determine presence of fetal heartbeat before performing abortion using standard medical practice methods; patient must receive written notice and 24-hour waiting period applies

• Establishes informed consent requirements including providing statistical probability of fetus survival and obtaining pregnant woman's written acknowledgment before abortion with detectable heartbeat

• Creates civil liability for wrongful death actions against women who may recover $10,000 in damages, plus criminal penalties (felony of fifth degree) for physicians performing abortion in violation of heartbeat detection requirements

• Creates Joint Legislative Committee on Adoption Promotion and Support to increase awareness of adoption options for women with pregnancies protected under the law