Section 14-02.1-05.1 – Determination of detectable heartbeat in unborn child before abortion – Exception

May 14, 2021 | Family Law, North Dakota

1. Except when a medical emergency exists that prevents compliance with this subsection, an individual may not perform an abortion on a pregnant woman before determining, in accordance with standard medical practice, if the unborn child the pregnant woman is carrying has a detectable heartbeat. Any individual who performs an abortion on a pregnant woman based on the exception in this subsection shall note in the pregnant woman’s medical records that a medical emergency necessitating the abortion existed.
2. If a physician performs an abortion on a pregnant woman before determining if the unborn child the pregnant woman is carrying has a detectable heartbeat, that physician is subject to disciplinary action under section 43-17-31.

N.D.C.C. § 14-02.1-05.1

Added by S.L. 2013, ch. 119 (HB 1456),§ 1, eff. 8/1/2013.