Public Policy · Civil Rights · Justice·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
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
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