summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Abortion; born alive infant; treatment and care; penalty. Requires every health care provider licensed by the Board of Medicine who attempts to terminate a pregnancy to (i) exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of a human infant who has been born alive following such attempt as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care practitioner would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age and (ii) take all reasonable steps to ensure the immediate transfer of the human infant who has been born alive to a hospital for further medical care. A health care provider who fails to comply with the requirements of the bill is guilty of a Class 4 felony and may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board. The bill also requires every hospital licensed by the Department of Health to establish a protocol for the treatment and care of a human infant who has been born alive following an attempt to terminate a pregnancy and for the immediate reporting to law enforcement of any failure to provide such required treatment and care.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that any healthcare provider licensed by the Board of Medicine who attempts to terminate a pregnancy must provide the same level of care to a live-born infant resulting from that attempt as they would to any other infant of the same gestational age, and must immediately transfer the infant to a hospital for further medical attention. Failure to comply with these requirements is a Class 4 felony and can lead to disciplinary action by the Board. Additionally, all hospitals licensed by the Department of Health must establish protocols for the treatment and care of such infants and immediately report any failure to provide this care to law enforcement; the mother of the infant will not face prosecution under this section.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (7-Y 3-N) (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB531 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/13/2026 1:17 pm) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1085220.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB531/text/HB531 |
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