If enacted, HB 682 would significantly alter the legal landscape regarding abortion in the United States. By establishing a federal prohibition against abortions after a heartbeat is detected, it would conflict with existing legal precedents established by past Supreme Court rulings that prioritize a woman's right to choose. Many states could see an immediate shift towards stricter regulations surrounding reproductive health services, potentially leading to criminal charges against medical professionals who violate this law, thus limiting access to safe and legal abortions across the nation.
Summary
House Bill 682, known as the 'Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025', proposes to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detectable. The bill mandates that physicians must check for a detectable heartbeat prior to performing an abortion and must inform the mother of the results. Failure to comply can lead to penalties including fines and imprisonment for up to five years. The bill outlines specific conditions where abortions would still be permitted, notably to save the mother's life, and also establishes documentation requirements for cases involving rape or incest.
Contention
The introduction of HB 682 has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters assert that the bill is a necessary measure to protect unborn lives, with the detection of a heartbeat being a pivotal moment in fetal development. Conversely, opponents argue that the bill infringes on women's rights to make choices about their bodies and could set a precedent for other restrictive measures in reproductive health. Additionally, the lack of exceptions for mental health considerations has been a point of contention, as critics suggest it fails to adequately protect women's health and well-being.
Heartbeat Protection Act of 2023 This bill makes it a crime for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion (1) without determining whether the unborn child has a detectable heartbeat, (2) without informing the mother of the results, or (3) after determining that a unborn child has a detectable heartbeat. A physician who performs a prohibited abortion is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. The bill 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. It also provides exceptions for certain pregnancies that are the result of rape or incest. A physician who performs or attempts to perform an abortion under an exception must comply with specified requirements. A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act This bill creates new federal crimes related to the performance of an abortion on an unborn child who has Down syndrome. It subjects a violator to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. It also authorizes civil remedies, including damages and injunctive relief. A woman who undergoes such an abortion may not be prosecuted or held civilly liable.
A resolution designating the week beginning November 11, 2024, as "National Pregnancy Center Week" to recognize the vital role that community-supported pregnancy centers play in saving lives and serving women and men faced with difficult pregnancy decisions.
A bill for an act prohibiting and requiring certain actions relating to abortion involving the detection of a fetal heartbeat, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 732.)
A bill for an act prohibiting and requiring certain actions relating to abortion involving the detection of a fetal heartbeat, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1223.)
A bill for an act prohibiting and requiring certain actions relating to abortion involving the detection of a fetal heartbeat, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 579.)
A bill for an act prohibiting and requiring certain actions relating to abortion involving the detection of a fetal heartbeat, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 255.) Effective date: 07/14/2023.