Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025
Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025 would make it a federal crime for doctors to perform abortions without first checking for a fetal heartbeat and informing the pregnant person of the results. Doctors who perform abortions after detecting a heartbeat could face fines and up to five years in prison. The bill includes narrow exceptions: abortions necessary to save a mother's life due to a physical medical condition, and abortions in cases of rape or incest (with specific requirements). **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect physicians and pregnant women seeking abortions. Under the legislation, women themselves cannot be prosecuted—only doctors face criminal penalties.
The bill would apply nationwide if passed, potentially overriding varying state abortion laws currently in effect. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 682) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) and is currently in committee. This means it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. Like most bills in committee, it may be debated, amended, or may not advance further in the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025This bill makes it a crime for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion (1) without determining whether the unborn child has a detectable heartbeat, (2) without informing the mother of the results, or (3) after determining that an unborn child has a detectable heartbeat.A physician who performs a prohibited abortion is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.The bill provides an exception for an abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical (but not psychological or emotional) disorder, illness, or condition. It also provides exceptions for certain pregnancies that are the result of rape or incest. A physician who performs or attempts to perform an abortion under an exception must comply with specified requirements.A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.