HB 31 – Detect Heartbeat/Prohibit Abortion

Primary House Sponsors: Rep. Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort, Craven); Rep. Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico); Rep. George Cleveland (R-Onslow); Rep. Carson Smith (R-Columbus, Pender)

Summary

This bill would prohibit an abortion from being lawfully performed following detection of a fetal heartbeat by a physician licensed to practice in North Carolina. The bill defines “detectable human heartbeat” as an embryonic or fetal cardiac activity or the steady and repetitive rhythmic contraction of the heart within the gestational sac.

This bill would not prohibit an abortion following detection of a fetal heartbeat if a medical emergency were present.

Movement

Filed – 1/28/2021

This bill was referred to the following House Committees:

-Health

-Judiciary 1

-Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House