Bill > SB591

This bill establishes the "Race Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act" in Arkansas, which makes it illegal for a physician to perform an abortion solely based on the race of the unborn child. The bill requires physicians to ask pregnant women about the race of the unborn child and review medical records before performing an abortion. If a physician knowingly performs a race-selection abortion, they would be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and could face professional sanctions, including potential suspension or revocation of their medical license. The bill also allows for civil penalties, with potential damages up to ten times the cost of the abortion. Importantly, the woman receiving the abortion cannot be criminally prosecuted, and her anonymity would be protected in any legal proceedings. The bill includes specific definitions for terms like "abortion," "unborn child," and "viability," and explicitly states that it does not create a general right to abortion. The law will only become effective under certain conditions related to other abortion-related laws in Arkansas, specifically when the state is no longer enjoined from restricting abortions except in medical emergencies.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb591&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R