February 15, 2025

Federal heartbeat bill would ban abortion at six weeks nationwide

House bill would criminalize abortion at six weeks using medically disputed "heartbeat" standard

📋Public Policy✊Civil Rights⚖️Justice

H.R. 682 introduced in the 119th Congress as Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025

Would criminalize abortion after fetal heartbeat is detectable (typically 6 weeks)

Physicians face up to 5 years in prison and fines for violations

Bill referred to House Judiciary Committee January 23, 2025

AMA and ACOG say heartbeat terminology is scientifically misleading

Six-week embryo has tubelike structure, not functioning heart

Exceptions for life of mother and documented rape/incest cases

📋Public Policy✊Civil Rights⚖️Justice

Test Your Knowledge

What is the bill number for the federal "heartbeat" legislation?

Most women know they are pregnant by six weeks.

H.R. 682 includes exceptions for rape and incest.

H.R. 682 would override state laws that allow abortion after six weeks.

Heartbeat bills have been successful in reducing unintended pregnancy rates.

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Congress where bill was introduced

Understand this is a pending bill in committee, not enacted law

The medical community disputes the scientific basis for the heartbeat standard

Track committee action to see if the bill advances toward a floor vote