The Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025 would ban doctors from performing an abortion without first checking for a fetal heartbeat, without telling the patient the result, or after a heartbeat is found. Violations would be a crime, with possible fines, up to five years in prison, or both. A woman who has the abortion could not be charged under this bill. The bill’s title and purpose are to prohibit abortion when a fetal heartbeat is detectable.

There are limited exceptions. An abortion would be allowed if needed to save the mother’s life due to a physical health condition (not psychological or emotional reasons). There are also exceptions for some pregnancies from rape or incest. In these situations, the doctor must follow specific requirements set out in the bill.

Key points

• Who is affected: Physicians who provide abortions, and patients seeking abortion care.
• What changes: Doctors must check for a heartbeat, share the result, and may not perform an abortion if a heartbeat is detected, except in the limited cases above. Women would not face criminal charges; doctors could face fines and up to five years in prison.