Bill > HB2372

This bill, known as the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, establishes legal requirements for medical care of infants born alive during any type of pregnancy termination or birth. The bill defines "born alive" as a child who shows signs of life after complete expulsion or extraction, such as breathing, heartbeat, or muscle movement. It mandates that healthcare practitioners provide the same standard of professional care to these infants as they would to any other child of the same gestational age, regardless of the circumstances of birth. The legislation requires healthcare practitioners to immediately transport and admit such infants to a hospital if they are not already in a hospital setting, and to report any violations to law enforcement. The bill allows certain individuals, including the person whose pregnancy resulted in the child or a prosecutor, to bring legal action against healthcare practitioners who fail to provide the required standard of care. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect the anonymity of individuals involved in such cases and allows for both actual and punitive damages. Healthcare practitioners who intentionally or recklessly fail to meet these requirements may face professional discipline, including potential suspension or revocation of their medical license. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that it does not affirm, deny, expand, or limit any legal status of a human being prior to being born alive.

Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2372