Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7189

Introduced
1/26/22  

Caption

Rhode Island Pain-capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Impact

If enacted, this bill modifies the legal landscape surrounding abortion in Rhode Island by prohibiting abortions after 20 weeks unless necessary to prevent serious health risks to the mother. It requires physicians to determine the probable post-fertilization age of the unborn child and report specific data related to the abortion procedure. Violators of this law would be subject to severe penalties including felony charges, while the woman upon whom an abortion is performed cannot be penalized or made liable for damages. Furthermore, the bill would create a litigation fund to cover legal costs arising from enforcing the law.

Summary

House Bill 7189, known as the Rhode Island Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, aims to restrict abortions for unborn children after they are deemed capable of feeling pain, typically around 20 weeks after fertilization. The bill asserts that substantial medical evidence suggests that pain receptors form by the 16th week and that unborn children can react to painful stimuli, thereby establishing a state's compelling interest in protecting these unborn children. The Act will amend existing health and safety laws regarding abortion regulations in Rhode Island.

Contention

The Rhode Island Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act is likely to face significant opposition on the grounds of reproductive rights and women's health. Critics argue that the bill undermines a woman’s right to choose and could impose complications on medical practitioners who must navigate these new regulations. The bill sets forth specific conditions under which abortions can be performed, essentially creating a legal and medical burden that could deter healthcare providers from offering necessary care. Additionally, its proponents acknowledge that the bill does not seek to overturn existing Supreme Court decisions regarding abortion rights, yet it raises concerns over potential future legal challenges.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0397

Rhode Island Pain-capable Unborn Child Protection Act

RI S2625

Rhode Island Pain-capable Unborn Child Protection Act

RI S0064

Creates the Rhode Island Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, prohibiting the performance or induction of an abortion of an unborn child capable of feeling pain, unless necessary to prevent serious health risk to the unborn child's mother.

RI S2109

Creates the Rhode Island Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, prohibiting the performance or induction of an abortion of an unborn child capable of feeling pain, unless necessary to prevent serious health risk to the unborn child's mother.

RI SB766

Provides for the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. (8/1/12)

RI SB593

Provides for the Viable and Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. (8/1/12)

RI HB4255

Abortion permitted only in certain instances

RI SB1553

Abortion; modifying grounds to perform abortion; prohibiting abortion after certain time period except under specified conditions. Effective date.

RI SB513

Relating to abortion restrictions; prescribing an effective date.

RI HB3400

Relating to abortion restrictions; prescribing an effective date.

Similar Bills

WV HB4255

Abortion permitted only in certain instances

RI S2109

Creates the Rhode Island Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, prohibiting the performance or induction of an abortion of an unborn child capable of feeling pain, unless necessary to prevent serious health risk to the unborn child's mother.

RI S0064

Creates the Rhode Island Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, prohibiting the performance or induction of an abortion of an unborn child capable of feeling pain, unless necessary to prevent serious health risk to the unborn child's mother.

RI S2625

Rhode Island Pain-capable Unborn Child Protection Act

RI S0397

Rhode Island Pain-capable Unborn Child Protection Act

LA SB766

Provides for the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. (8/1/12)

WV SB94

Creating Fetal Heartbeat Act

WV SB212

Creating Fetal Heartbeat Act