The bill amends the Arkansas Human Life Protection Act and the Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act to introduce specific exceptions for abortions in cases of incest, rape, fetal abnormalities incompatible with life, and medical emergencies that threaten the health of the mother. The definition of "medical emergency" is expanded to include situations where an abortion is necessary to preserve the health of a pregnant woman, not just her life. This change is reflected in both acts, where the language now includes "or health" alongside "life" and specifies that conditions can be health-endangering as well as life-endangering.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that abortions may be performed if the pregnancy results from incest or rape, provided that a report has been filed with law enforcement regarding the offense. The amendments also clarify that abortions can be conducted in cases of fetal abnormalities that are incompatible with life. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines and protections for women facing difficult circumstances during pregnancy.

Statutes affected:
HB 1880: 5-61-303(3), 5-61-304(a), 5-61-403(3), 5-61-404(a)