Protecting the health of the mother and a born alive fetus after the second trimester
Impact
The implications of HB 2428 are significant for both medical practices and the legal framework surrounding abortion in the state. By requiring hospital procedures for abortions after a certain stage of pregnancy, the bill seeks to ensure that adequate medical care is available to protect women's health. This could potentially reduce the number of late-term abortions performed outside of hospital settings, aligning with the bill's intent to safeguard maternal health while also addressing the complexities involved in such decisions during late pregnancy.
Summary
House Bill 2428 aims to protect the health of mothers and fetuses after the second trimester of pregnancy. It proposes amendments to existing laws concerning the procedure for performing abortions during the later stages of pregnancy. Specifically, the bill mandates that abortions or miscarriages after the second trimester can only be performed in a hospital setting and require the certification from the performing physician and two consulting physicians. Their certification must indicate that continuing the pregnancy poses a life-threatening risk to the mother, thereby emphasizing the importance of maternal health and safety in such procedures.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the balancing act between protecting maternal health and the moral considerations surrounding abortion. Advocates of the bill argue that it is necessary to safeguard the lives of mothers, while opponents raise concerns that imposing such restrictions could infringe on women's rights to make personal medical decisions. Additionally, there are debates about the definition and criteria of 'viability' of fetuses and the implications this may have for medical practice and patients' rights within the healthcare system.