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Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection: New Abortion Rules

This bill introduces new rules for abortion, prohibiting it after 20 weeks post-fertilization, with exceptions for life endangerment of the mother, rape, or incest. The aim is to protect unborn children, who, according to the bill's proponents, are capable of feeling pain at this stage. Citizens should be aware that these changes could significantly impact the availability and conditions of abortion procedures in the United States.
Key points
Prohibits abortions after 20 weeks post-fertilization, based on the premise that the fetus can feel pain.
Exceptions to the ban include cases where the mother's life is endangered, the pregnancy resulted from rape (requires documented counseling or medical treatment), or incest (requires reporting to law enforcement or child abuse agencies).
For abortions performed under exceptions, the physician must strive to preserve the child's life, and if born alive, provide full medical care.
Establishes criminal and civil penalties for violations, but protects women from criminal prosecution.
Requires data collection on abortions performed under exceptions and annual statistical reporting.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_1080
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Process start date: 2021-02-15
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_1080.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-02-15.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Prohibits abortions after 20 weeks post-fertilization, based on the premise that the fetus can feel pain.
  • Exceptions to the ban include cases where the mother's life is endangered, the pregnancy resulted from rape (requires documented counseling or medical treatment), or incest (requires reporting to law enforcement or child abuse agencies).
  • For abortions performed under exceptions, the physician must strive to preserve the child's life, and if born alive, provide full medical care.
  • Establishes criminal and civil penalties for violations, but protects women from criminal prosecution.
  • Requires data collection on abortions performed under exceptions and annual statistical reporting.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-27.

CATEGORIES

Health Courts and Law Family