The bill amends the Arkansas Human Life Protection Act and the Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act, specifically modifying the definition of "medical emergency." It introduces new legal language that clarifies the circumstances under which a medical emergency exists, stating that it is a condition that complicates the medical condition of a pregnant woman to the extent that termination of a pregnancy is necessary to preserve her life. The bill also specifies that a medical emergency does not include conditions for which treatment is available that can preserve the life of the pregnant woman without ending the pregnancy, nor does it include psychological or emotional conditions.

Additionally, the bill removes the affirmative defense to prosecution for physicians who provide medical treatment resulting in the accidental or unintentional injury or death of an unborn child, replacing it with language stating that such actions are not a violation under the law. This change aims to provide clearer guidance and clarification regarding abortion laws and emergency medical procedures to ensure that physicians can administer appropriate care in life-threatening situations for pregnant women.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1610 Original - 2-26-2025 03:48 PM: 5-61-303, 5-61-304(d), 5-61-403, 5-61-404(d)
Old version HB1610 V2 - 3-5-2025 10:50 AM: 5-61-303, 03-05-2025, 5-61-304(d), 5-61-403, 5-61-404(d)
HB 1610: 5-61-303, 5-61-304(d), 5-61-403, 5-61-404(d)
Act 387: 5-61-303, 03-05-2025, 5-61-304(d), 5-61-403, 5-61-404(d)