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H.R. 490

Heartbeat Protection Act of 2017

Heartbeat Protection Act of 2017

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion: (1) without determining whether the fetus has a detectable heartbeat, (2) without informing the mother of the results, or (3) after determining that a fetus has a detectable heartbeat.

It provides an exception for an abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical (but not psychological or emotional) disorder, illness, or condition.

A physician who performs a prohibited abortion is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.

A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.

Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-4](R-IA)Sponsor
173 cosponsors1 D172 R
173cosponsors1committees5actions7subjects
  1. Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.

    Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Subcommittee
  2. Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.

    Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee
  3. IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

    Judiciary Committee
  4. IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  5. IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Heartbeat Protection Act of 2017 — Informed