HB0126

Prohibits abortion procedures on unborn children with detectable heartbeats, with exceptions for medical emergencies.

• Establishes legislative findings that the state has a compelling interest in protecting the general welfare by preventing procedures that terminate pregnancies when a detectable fetal heartbeat is present. (Section 1)
• Defines key terms including 'detectable fetal heartbeat' as cardiac activity detectable using standard medical equipment, 'medical emergency' as a condition necessitating immediate pregnancy termination to avert death or serious bodily impairment, and 'termination of pregnancy' as the use of instruments or substances to end pregnancy. (W.S. 35-6-401)
• Requires that except in medical emergencies, any person performing or inducing a pregnancy termination must first determine whether the unborn child has a detectable fetal heartbeat using standard medical practices and techniques, including ultrasound if necessary. (W.S. 35-6-402)
• Prohibits performing, inducing, or attempting to induce a pregnancy termination if the unborn child has a detectable fetal heartbeat or if the required determination of fetal heartbeat was not made, except in cases of medical emergency. (W.S. 35-6-403(a))
• Permits pregnancy termination in medical emergencies by a licensed physician if performed in a manner that provides the best opportunity for the unborn child to survive, unless that manner would pose greater risk to the pregnant woman. (W.S. 35-6-403(b))
• Establishes criminal penalties of up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000 for intentional or knowing violations of the heartbeat protection provisions. (W.S. 35-6-404(a))
• Mandates revocation of professional licenses for persons who intentionally or knowingly violate the heartbeat protection provisions. (W.S. 35-6-404(b))
• Requires the board of nursing to revoke licenses, certificates, or temporary permits of nurses who violate the heartbeat protection provisions. (W.S. 33-21-146(c))
• Requires the board of pharmacy to revoke licenses and registrations of pharmacists who violate the heartbeat protection provisions.