The "Born-Alive Infant Protection Act" seeks to ensure legal protections for infants born alive after an attempted abortion, designating them as legal persons under state law. The bill mandates that healthcare providers deliver necessary life-saving and life-sustaining medical care to these infants, addressing concerns that some have been denied such treatment. Key provisions include prohibiting the denial of nourishment or medical care to born-alive infants, regardless of their circumstances, and requiring physicians to take all medically appropriate steps to preserve the life and health of any infant born alive during an abortion procedure. New legal language introduced in the bill includes the requirement for birth and death certificates to be issued for these infants, and stipulates that if a mother and her husband express in writing their intention not to keep the infant, the infant will become a ward of the department of children, youth, and families.

The bill also establishes criminal penalties for healthcare providers who fail to provide appropriate care, with potential imprisonment of up to ten years and fines of up to $25,000. It allows for civil actions for damages and professional disciplinary measures against violators. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not create or recognize a right to abortion and does not alter existing medical standards or legal rights prior to birth. The act will take effect upon passage, reinforcing the state's commitment to protecting all human life.