# Plain Language Summary: Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025

This bill would make it a federal crime for doctors to perform an abortion once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. If passed, doctors would be required to check for a heartbeat before performing any abortion and inform the patient of the results. If a heartbeat is found, the doctor would be prohibited from proceeding with the abortion. Doctors who violate this law could face up to five years in prison and fines. This would apply nationwide and override any state laws that currently allow abortion after a heartbeat is detected.

The bill does include some exceptions. Abortions would still be allowed if necessary to save the mother's life due to a physical medical condition (though not for psychological or emotional reasons). Additionally, abortions would be permitted in cases of rape or incest, but with specific requirements. For adult women who are rape victims, they would need to have received counseling or medical treatment for the rape at least 48 hours before the abortion. For minors who are victims of rape or incest, the assault would need to have been reported to law enforcement or child protective services before the procedure. Importantly, the bill specifies that the pregnant woman herself cannot be prosecuted—only the doctor performing the abortion would face criminal charges.

The bill also includes detailed documentation requirements, stating that doctors must keep records in the patient's medical file showing they checked for a heartbeat, what they found, and that they informed the patient of the results. These records would need to be retained according to federal privacy regulations. The bill defines key terms like "unborn child" as beginning at fertilization and specifies that it applies to all methods of abortion, including medication-based options.

Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025

Kelly, Mike

Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025This 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.A physician who performs a prohibited abortion is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.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.A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.