HB 776

Abstract

Abortion; born alive human infant; treatmentand care; penalty. Requires every physician licensed by the Boardof Medicine who attempts to terminate a pregnancy to (i) exercisethe same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preservethe life and health of a human infant who has been born alive followingsuch attempt as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health carepractitioner would render to any other child born alive at the samegestational age and (ii) take all reasonable steps to ensure theimmediate transfer of the human infant who has been born alive to a hospital for further medical care. A physician who fails to complywith the requirements of this act is guilty of a Class 4 felony andmay be subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Medicine. Thebill also requires every hospital licensed by the Department of Healthto establish a protocol for the treatment and care of a human infantwho has been born alive following performance of an abortion andfor the immediate reporting to law enforcement of any failure toprovide such required treatment and care.