Additionally, the bill outlines specific provisions concerning abortions performed on minors under the age of 14. It requires that a physician who performs such an abortion must preserve and submit a sample of fetal tissue to the Maryland Department of Health. This requirement is aimed at creating a regulatory framework around the handling of fetal tissue, especially in cases involving minors, and establishes protocols for how such samples should be preserved and processed. These measures are designed to ensure accountability and potentially gather data on the circumstances surrounding such sensitive procedures.
Summary
House Bill 1214, known as the Maryland Child Protection Act of 2022, aims to enhance the responsibilities of mandatory reporters, particularly in cases concerning minors and suspected abuse or sexual crimes. The bill mandates that individuals in professional roles who are required to report such cases must do so within 48 hours of becoming aware of the incident. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in civil penalties not exceeding $5,000. This legislative effort is positioned as a protective measure for vulnerable minors, ensuring that allegations of abuse are promptly addressed by the appropriate authorities.
Contention
Notably, the bill introduces significant penalties for individuals assisting minors in obtaining abortions without parental or guardian consent. Violators of this provision may be held civilly liable, raising concerns about the implications for reproductive rights and healthcare access for minors. The strict regulations surrounding both the reporting of suspected abuse and the conditions under which minors can seek abortions without parental involvement have sparked debates among legislators, stakeholders, and advocacy groups, reflecting a broader discourse on women's rights and child protection laws.