Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025

Protection of life through medical requirements: The bill prohibits abortions unless a physician follows standard medical practice to determine if a heartbeat is detectable, which could be seen as a way to ensure the unborn child is protected (Section 2(a)).

Life-saving exceptions for pregnant women: An abortion may be performed if it is necessary to save the life of a woman endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury, including conditions arising from the pregnancy (Section 2(a) and Section 2(b)(1)).

Legal exceptions for victims of crime: The bill allows for abortions in cases of rape against an adult woman or rape/incest against a minor, provided specific reporting or medical/counseling requirements are met (Section 2(b)(2) and Section 2(b)(3)).

Protection for mothers from prosecution: The bill explicitly states that a mother upon whom an abortion is performed may not be prosecuted under this section or for related conspiracies (Section 2(g)).

Criminal penalties for physicians: Physicians could face fines or up to five years in prison for performing abortions that do not meet the specific requirements regarding heartbeat detection and notification (Section 2(a)).

Restrictions on abortion access due to medical/counseling requirements: In cases of rape, an adult woman must obtain counseling or medical treatment at a facility that does not perform abortions (unless it is a hospital) before the abortion can occur (Section 2(b)(2) and Section 2(e)(1)).

Burdensome documentation requirements: Physicians performing abortions under exceptions for rape or incest must place specific documentation from authorized agencies or providers into the patient's medical file prior to the procedure (Section 2(c)).

Exclusion of psychological needs from life-saving exceptions: An abortion cannot be performed to save a woman's life if the life-endangering condition is categorized as a psychological or emotional condition (Section 2(a) and Section 2(b)(1)).