Heartbeat Protection Act of 2017 (H.R. 490)

H.R. 490 would prohibit abortions without a check for a fetal heartbeat, or if a fetal heartbeat is detectable.

The bill would make it a crime for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion:

• without determining whether the fetus has a detectable heartbeat;
• without informing the pregnant individual of the results; or
• after determining that a fetus has a detectable heartbeat.

The bill provides for an exception if an abortion is necessary to save the life of the pregnant person whose life is endangered by a physical (but not psychological or emotional) disorder, illness, or condition.

The bill does not provide for an exception in the case of rape or incest.

A physician who performs a prohibited abortion would be subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.

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A fetal heartbeat can be detected as early as six weeks of pregnancy—two weeks after a person’s first missed period—and well before many even realize that they are pregnant.

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Latest Action

1/12/17 – Introduced.

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People