Mississippi Heartbeat Abortion Ban (HB 529)

HB 529 would prohibit physicians from performing or inducing an abortion without first making a determination by using an abdominal ultrasound imaging procedure if the fetus has a detectable fetal heartbeat.

The bill defines fetal heartbeat to mean “the steady and repetitive rhythmic contraction of the fetal heart within the gestational sac.”

If a fetal heartbeat is detected, the physician would be prohibited from performing or inducing an abortion.

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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 people even realize that they are pregnant.

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A physician who knowingly performs or induces an abortion without first making a determination, or who knowingly performs or induces or attempts to perform or induce an abortion after determining the presence of a fetal heartbeat, would be guilty of felony. Such a conviction would be punishable by imprisonment for up to two years and/or a fine of up to $25,000.00. The physician would also be subject to disciplinary action.

The requirements of this bill would not apply in the case of a medical emergency where the pregnant person’s life is threatened.

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Related Legislation

Similar to HB 732, SB 2116, and SB 2688.

Similar to SB 2058, SB 2143, HB 226, HB 1481, and HB 1509; all of which failed to pass in 2018.

Similar to HB 1198, SB 2562, and SB 2584, all of which failed to pass in 2017.

Similar to SB 2807 (2014) and HB 6 (2013), both of which failed to pass.

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Latest Action

1/15/19 – Introduced; referred to Judiciary A Committee.

2/5/19 – Died in committee.

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People