SF3518 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Care requirements modification for an infant who is born alive
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
This legislative proposal aims to modify the care requirements for infants who are born alive following an abortion, along with enhancing the reporting and recording requirements related to abortion data in Minnesota. It also seeks to change the legal definition of "person" in relevant statutes.
Main Provisions
- Abortion Data Reporting: The bill mandates the collection of detailed information about all abortions performed, including the method, gestational age, any complications, and whether a live birth resulted.
- Recognition of Born Alive Infants: An infant born alive from an abortion must be recognized as a human person and given full legal protection. Medical personnel must provide all necessary medical care, compile, and maintain appropriate medical records.
- Definitions and Care Requirements: The bill outlines specific definitions related to perinatal care, such as "comfort care" and "conditions incompatible with sustained life," determining the medical actions required to preserve an infant's life and health.
- Requirement of Additional Physician: For abortions performed after the 20th week of gestation, another physician must be available to care for infants born alive as a result of the procedure.
- Perinatal Hospice Information: Mothers must be informed about perinatal hospice services if their unborn infant has or is diagnosed post-abortion with a condition incompatible with sustained life.
- Civil and Disciplinary Actions: The bill outlines potential civil actions and disciplinary measures against medical personnel who fail to uphold the medical care standards set in the bill.
- Privacy Protection in Court: Provides guidelines to protect the identity of women involved in abortion-related legal proceedings, allowing the use of initials or pseudonyms.
- Severability Clause: If any part of the bill is found unconstitutional, the rest remains effective.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill amends the current legal framework by adding detailed requirements for documenting and reporting abortion procedures and the care of infants born alive from such procedures.
- It provides a clear legal obligation to protect the life and health of born-alive infants, with specific procedures and penalties for non-compliance.
- Introduces a new legal definition for "born alive" infants to ensure their recognition and protection.
Relevant Terms
abortion data, born alive, recognition of personhood, medical care requirements, perinatal hospice, civil actions, privacy protection, gestational age, comfort care, condition incompatible with sustained life, Born-Alive Infants Protection Act.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
May 12, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
May 12, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Health and Human Services |
Citations
[ { "analysis": { "added": [ "New data points regarding born-alive infants from abortions." ], "removed": [], "summary": "This bill modifies the reporting requirements for physicians or facilities performing abortions under section 145.4131.", "modified": [ "Expanded information required in the reporting forms." ] }, "citation": "145.4131", "subdivision": "subdivision 1" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "Definitions related to born-alive infants and perinatal hospice." ], "removed": [], "summary": "This bill modifies the recognition and care requirements for infants born alive during an abortion under section 145.423.", "modified": [ "Enhancements to the scope of care and reporting for born-alive infants." ] }, "citation": "145.423", "subdivision": "" }, { "analysis": { "added": [], "removed": [], "summary": "This bill modifies the definition of 'person' under section 645.44, subdivision 7.", "modified": [ "Adjusts the legal definition to include infants who are born alive." ] }, "citation": "645.44", "subdivision": "subdivision 7" } ]