This bill makes it a federal crime for physicians to perform abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detectable, typically around six weeks of pregnancy. Exceptions exist for life-threatening emergencies and pregnancies from rape or incest. Women cannot be prosecuted.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill makes it a federal crime for physicians to perform abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detectable, typically around six weeks of pregnancy. Exceptions exist for life-threatening emergencies and pregnancies from rape or incest. Women cannot be prosecuted.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This 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.</p><p>A physician who performs a prohibited abortion is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.</p><p>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.</p><p>A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Criminalizes abortion after detectable heartbeat
Requires heartbeat detection before procedure
Physicians face up to 5 years in prison for violations
Exceptions for life of mother, rape, and incest
Women cannot be prosecuted under this bill
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Most abortions would be banned after approximately six weeks of pregnancy when cardiac activity can be detected. Physicians performing prohibited abortions face federal criminal penalties. This would be among the most restrictive abortion laws if enacted.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Crime and Law Enforcement
Related Subjects
Abortion
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Health personnel
Women's health
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
682, 119th Congress (2025). "Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-682
