Tennessee's fetal heartbeat bill: What you need to know

The Tennessean

The so-called "heartbeat bill" passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives on Thursday is among the most restrictive abortion measures under consideration in the nation this year.

Here's what the bill would do if it becomes law:

Exceptions in the 'heartbeat bill'

Exceptions include instances in which the abortion was necessary to "prevent the death of the pregnant woman or to prevent serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function or for any reason relating to her mental health.
A second exception is for pregnancies that are "not viable."

Physicians who defy the law to perform an abortion would be subject to a Class C felony, which carries a penalty of three to 15 years in prison and fine of up to $10,000. The physician would also be subject to having his or her license revoked by the state's medical board.
Women would face no criminal charges for obtaining an abortion.

If a physician performs an abortion in the case of a medical emergency must obtain the written certification from a second physician that the abortion is necessary to prevent death or irreversible harm to the woman.
All abortions in such cases must be performed in a hospital that has "appropriate neonatal services for premature infants" — unless there is no nearby hospital available.
All abortions must also include a second physician who is to "take control of, provide medical care for, and take all reasonable steps necessary to preserve the life and health of the unborn child immediately upon the child's complete expulsion or extraction from the pregnant woman."

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