The bill amends the Arkansas Human Life Protection Act and the Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act to allow for abortions in specific circumstances. Specifically, it introduces a provision that permits abortions when there is a fetal abnormality that is incompatible with life. This change is reflected in the amendments to Arkansas Code 5-61-304(a) and 5-61-404(a), where the language now includes the condition of a fetal abnormality as an exception to the prohibition on performing or attempting to perform an abortion.

The amendments clarify that, in addition to saving the life of a pregnant woman in a medical emergency, abortions may also be performed in cases where the fetus has a condition that is not compatible with life. This legislative change aims to provide clearer guidelines regarding the circumstances under which abortions can be legally performed in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
HB 1301: 5-61-304(a), 5-61-404(a)