Us Congress House Bill HB682

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/23/25

Caption

Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025

Impact

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.

Congress_id

119-HR-682

Policy_area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Introduced_date

2025-01-23