Maryland2026Active
HB0049
Public Health - Abortion Restrictions and Physician Requirements
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 4:24 AM
In one sentence
This law requires abortions to be performed by licensed physicians, mandates testing for a fetal heartbeat before the procedure with specific record-keeping rules, bans the procedure if a heartbeat is found (with exceptions), repeals previous state laws on abortion interference, and allows private citizens to sue violators.
What it does
- Requires that an abortion be performed by a physician rather than another qualified provider.
- Prohibits physicians from knowingly performing or inducing an abortion if they determine the baby has a detectable heartbeat.
- Mandates that doctors use tests consistent with standard medical practice to check for a heartbeat and record specific details in the patient's file.
- Allows exceptions when a physician believes a medical emergency exists, provided they follow documentation rules.
- Repeals certain previous laws regarding state interference with abortions, regulations on abortion, and criminal punishment or liability for providers who perform them.
Who it affects
- Physicians licensed to practice medicine in the State
- Pregnant women seeking abortion services
- Private individuals (other than officers of the State) who may bring civil actions against violators
Limits and unknowns
- The provided text ends abruptly while describing documentation requirements for abortions performed to preserve maternal health.
- While private civil actions are authorized against violators, specific penalties or damages are not detailed in this excerpt.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Fetal Heartbeat
- Cardiac activity or the steady and repetitive rhythmic contraction of the fetal heart within the gestational sac.
- Gestational Age
- The amount of time that has elapsed from the first day of the pregnant woman's last menstrual period.
- Physician
- An individual who is licensed to practice medicine in the State for whom performing an abortion is within their scope, under Title 14 of the Health Occupations Article.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Requiring that an abortion be performed by a physician, rather than a qualified provider; repealing certain provisions of law related to State interference with an abortion, regulations related to abortion, and liability or criminal punishment for qualified providers who perform an abortion; prohibiting a physician from knowingly performing, inducing, or attempting to perform or induce an abortion under certain circumstances and subject to certain exceptions; etc.
Official activity
Bill history
- In the House - Hearing 3/19 at 2:30 p.m.