This bill amends New Hampshire's homicide statutes and the fetal life protection act to clarify the legal framework surrounding the termination of pregnancies. Specifically, it modifies the exemption language related to the termination of pregnancy under the homicide laws, stating that a pregnant woman is exempt from prosecution for terminating her pregnancy if it is performed in compliance with RSA 329:44. Additionally, the bill aligns the statutory age of fetal personhood with the existing homicide statutes, establishing that personhood is recognized at the end of 20 weeks of gestation, rather than the previously stated 24 weeks.

The bill also introduces new requirements for health care providers regarding the determination of fetal gestational age before performing an abortion. It mandates that providers conduct an obstetric ultrasound examination if they know or suspect that the fetus is at least 20 weeks old. Furthermore, it imposes criminal penalties on health care providers who knowingly perform an abortion on a fetus determined to be at least 20 weeks old without following the required procedures. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and may have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local governments due to potential changes in judicial and correctional costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 630:1-a, 329:44, 329:46
HB1590 text: 630:1-a, 329:44, 329:46