Bill > HB1456

This bill establishes new regulations for abortions in North Dakota, primarily focusing on the detection of a fetal heartbeat. It prohibits abortions if a detectable heartbeat in the unborn child can be found, with exceptions for medical emergencies where the abortion is necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman or serious, irreversible harm to a major bodily function, requiring detailed written documentation under penalty of perjury. Physicians who perform abortions before determining if a heartbeat is detectable are subject to disciplinary action, and performing an abortion after a heartbeat has been detected, with the intent to terminate the life of the unborn child, is a Class C felony, though the pregnant woman herself cannot be prosecuted. The bill also clarifies that these provisions do not prohibit the use of contraceptives.