Does the Heartbeat Protection Act Make Any Exceptions for Abortion?

The Heartbeat Protection Act is a bill that makes it a punishable crime if a physician knowingly performs an abortion:

• Without looking for a detectable heartbeat in the pregnancy via ultrasound
• Without informing the mother of the results of the scan
• After finding a detectable heartbeat in the pregnancy

Since most fetal heartbeats can first be detected six weeks after a missed menstrual period (or when the pregnancy is four weeks old), this means that abortions after this timeframe are illegal. 

However, the Heartbeat Protection Act does allow for certain exceptions. If the mother’s life is endangered by a physical illness, disorder, or condition, or if her pregnancy results from incest or rape, she may be allowed to seek an abortion. 

If you are pregnant and considering abortion, it’s essential to understand your options. At First Coast Women’s Services, we offer free, confidential consultations with a nurse who can answer your questions and provide evidence-based education.

Read on to learn more about the next steps to take to protect your health. 

Receive an Ultrasound

No matter what choice you’re considering for your pregnancy, receiving an ultrasound will give you the vital information you need to stay safe—and it will also help determine what options are available. 

At First Coast Women’s Services, we provide free, limited ultrasounds that will help determine the age of your pregnancy—which is needed before you can seek an abortion—as well as the location and viability of your pregnancy.

Know the Facts

With so much misinformation on the internet, it can be difficult to know what’s true. But we believe that you deserve to know all the facts about your options so that you can make an informed decision for your pregnancy. 

You have three options: abortion, parenting, or adoption. Only you can make the decision that’s right for you, but we’re here to answer your questions and support you with options counseling along the way. 

We understand what you’re going through, and you’re not alone. Contact us today to request a free consultation with a nurse in a caring, non-judgmental environment.