Virginia House Bill HB2183

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/25
• Refer: 1/7/25

Caption

Abortion; born alive infant, treatment and care, penalty.

Impact

This bill introduces significant alterations to state laws governing abortion and medical responsibilities. By establishing clear legal obligations for healthcare providers, HB2183 aims to enhance protections for infants who survive abortion attempts. The potential consequences for failing to comply with this requirement are substantial, as healthcare providers could face Class 4 felony charges. This elevates the stakes for medical professionals and could lead to shifts in abortion-related practices, as the implications for failing to act appropriately could result in severe legal repercussions.

Summary

House Bill 2183 proposes amendments to existing Virginia statutes concerning the treatment and care of human infants who are born alive during an abortion or miscarriage attempt. The bill clarifies that healthcare providers must provide the same standard of care to these infants as they would to any other child born at the same gestational age. Specifically, the legislation mandates that, should an infant be born alive, healthcare providers are legally obligated to ensure that the child receives adequate treatment and care and is transferred to a hospital for further assistance if necessary.

Contention

Discussions around HB2183 are likely to be divisive, as this bill intersects with broader debates about abortion rights and reproductive healthcare. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to safeguard the lives of infants born alive and to hold healthcare providers accountable. Conversely, opponents worry that the law may infringe upon the rights of women and complicate medical practices. Additionally, there are concerns that imposing criminal penalties on healthcare providers may lead to a chilling effect, where medical professionals may hesitate to perform abortions or manage complicated cases for fear of legal consequences.