The proposed bill establishes new legal requirements regarding the care of infants who are born alive, particularly in the context of abortion procedures. It defines "born alive" and "infant," mandating that any infant born alive must receive appropriate medical care and treatment. The bill prohibits the denial of nourishment or medical care with the intent to cause the infant's death and outlines the responsibilities of healthcare providers in such situations. It also stipulates that any born alive infant is to be treated as a legal person under state law, ensuring they have the same rights to medical care as any other individual.
Additionally, the bill introduces mandatory reporting for healthcare practitioners who witness violations of these provisions, along with criminal penalties for those who intentionally harm a born alive infant. Civil remedies are also established, allowing individuals to seek damages for violations. A task force is created to monitor born alive births and report findings to the governor and legislature, while the Department of Health is tasked with conducting monthly inspections of facilities that provide elective abortions to ensure compliance with the new regulations.