Bill > HB108

This bill introduces a significant restriction on abortion in Maryland by establishing a "heartbeat bill" that prohibits abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which typically occurs around 6 weeks of pregnancy. The bill defines key terms like "fetal heartbeat" as cardiac activity in the gestational sac and requires physicians to perform an ultrasound and detect cardiac activity before performing an abortion. Physicians are prohibited from performing abortions after a heartbeat is detected, with exceptions only for medical emergencies. The bill mandates extensive informed consent procedures, including requiring physicians to provide detailed medical information, display sonogram images, and have the patient complete a comprehensive election form. The legislation also creates a unique enforcement mechanism allowing private citizens to bring civil lawsuits against anyone who performs or aids in an abortion that violates the law, with potential statutory damages of at least $10,000 per abortion. Additionally, the bill includes provisions protecting state and local government officials from legal challenges and includes severability clauses to ensure that if any part of the law is found unconstitutional, the remaining provisions can still be enforced. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and represents a significant change to Maryland's existing abortion regulations by substantially narrowing the window during which an abortion can be legally performed.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0108?ys=2025RS