House Subcommittee Examines the Heartbeat Protection Act

On November 1, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice held a hearing on H.R. 490, the Heartbeat Protection Act of 2017. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Steve King (R-IA), would prohibit physicians from performing an abortion after “determining that a fetus has a detectable heartbeat.” The measure would provide an exception for cases in which the life of the mother is threatened by carrying a pregnancy to term.

This following witnesses testified:

• Priscilla Smith, clinical lecturer in law, Reproductive Rights and Justice Project;
• David Forte, professor of law, Cleveland State University;
• Kathi Aultman, MD, associate scholar, Charlotte Lozier Institute; and
• Star Parker, founder and president, Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE).