AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1118

Arkansas 2022 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1118

Introduced
2/28/22  

Caption

To Create The Arkansas Human Heartbeat And Human Life Civil Justice Act; To Save The Lives Of Unborn Children And Protect The Health Of Women Through Civil Liability; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, HB1118 would create a legal framework that allows for the civil prosecution of those who perform or assist abortions, establishing stringent penalties and damages, including statutory damages of no less than $10,000 per unlawful abortion. This would effectively deter healthcare providers from offering abortion services in the state, as fear of lawsuits could lead to a significant reduction in accessibility. The bill also maintains that existing abortion laws remain in place, but emphasizes the intention to abolish abortion altogether. By limiting jurisdiction over abortion-related legal challenges, the act aims to restrict legal avenues for those opposing the law, intensifying the state's grip on reproductive rights.

Summary

House Bill 1118, known as the Arkansas Human Heartbeat and Human Life Civil Justice Act, aims to significantly restrict abortion access in Arkansas by imposing civil liability on individuals and entities that perform or induce abortions, allowing private citizens to sue for violations. The bill asserts that life begins at conception and is framed as a response to Supreme Court decisions that have historically guaranteed the right to abortion, seeking to leverage changes in jurisprudence to redefine personhood and legal protections for unborn children. The act declares an emergency, emphasizing the need to immediately protect unborn children and the health of women, positioning it as a necessary legal measure amid a perceived crisis in the healthcare system related to abortion services.

Contention

The bill faces opposition for its potential to undermine women's reproductive rights and health decisions. Critics argue that the enforcement mechanisms proposed could lead to harassment of healthcare providers and individuals attempting to access abortion services. Additionally, concerns are raised around the implications of a civil justice approach to what has traditionally been a medical issue, including the risk of creating a hostile environment for women's health services. Opponents highlight that by positioning the state to challenge individual rights through civil suits, the legislation may infringe upon personal freedoms protected under the constitution.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HCR1002

To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.

AR SR23

To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.

AR HR1004

To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HCR1001

To Recognize Ralph Wilcox And The Division Of Arkansas Heritage For Their Work In Preserving The Remaining Structures And History Of The Rosenwald Schools In Arkansas.

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

TX HB4876

Imposing liability on those who perform or assist unlawful abortions.

TX HB2258

Imposing private civil liability on anyone who causes or contributes to the social transitioning of a minor.

AR HR1014

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Enact The Arkansas Human Heartbeat And Human Life Civil Justice Act To Save The Lives Of Unborn Children And Protect The Health Of Women Through Civil Liability.

AR HR1011

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Establish The Arkansas Human Heartbeat And Human Life Civil Justice Act To Save The Lives Of Unborn Children And Protect The Health Of Women Through Civil Liability.

AR HR1012

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Implement The Arkansas Human Heartbeat And Human Life Civil Justice Act To Save The Lives Of Unborn Children And Protect The Health Of Women Through Civil Liability.

AR SR12

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Create The Arkansas Human Heartbeat And Human Life Civil Justice Act To Save The Lives Of Unborn Children And Protect The Health Of Women Through Civil Liability.

AR SR13

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Enact The Arkansas Human Heartbeat And Human Life Civil Justice Act To Save The Lives Of Unborn Children And Protect The Health Of Women Through Civil Liability.

AR HR1013

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Create The Arkansas Human Heartbeat And Human Life Civil Justice Act To Save The Lives Of Unborn Children And Protect The Health Of Women Through Civil Liability.