Bill
SB 591
Senate Bill 591 prohibits race-based abortions in Arkansas, imposing penalties on physicians while protecting women from liability for seeking such procedures.
# Summary of Senate Bill 591: Race Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act
**Bill Number:** SB 591
**Introduced:** March 31, 2025
**Status:** Referred to CPN, JDC
**Classification:** Bill
**Subject:** Appeals, Assessments, Common Expense Assessments, Condominium Associations, Fines
## Purpose and Intent
Senate Bill 591 aims to prohibit race-selection abortions in the state of Arkansas. The bill establishes the "Race Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act," which seeks to prevent abortions performed solely based on the race of the unborn child. The legislation is intended to address concerns regarding racial discrimination in reproductive health decisions.
## Key Provisions
1. **Definitions**:
- **Abortion**: Defined as the act of terminating a clinically diagnosable pregnancy with the intent to cause the death of the unborn child.
- **Race-selection abortion**: Specifically refers to abortions performed solely based on the unborn child's race.
2. **Prohibition**:
- Physicians and other individuals are prohibited from performing or attempting to perform an abortion if they know the pregnant woman is seeking it solely based on the race of the unborn child.
3. **Informed Consent**:
- Before performing an abortion, the physician must inquire about the race of the unborn child and inform the woman about the prohibition against race-selection abortions.
4. **Penalties**:
- **Criminal Penalties**: Knowingly performing a prohibited abortion is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.
- **Civil Penalties**: Physicians may face damages, suspension, or revocation of their medical licenses for violations. Women who receive abortions in violation of this act may seek damages, including statutory damages equal to ten times the cost of the abortion.
5. **Exclusion of Liability**:
- Women who undergo prohibited abortions are not subject to criminal or civil liability under this act.
6. **Anonymity Protections**:
- The identity of women receiving abortions in violation of this act is protected from public disclosure unless consent is given.
## Impact
The bill primarily affects:
- **Physicians**: They will face legal repercussions for performing abortions based on race-selection.
- **Pregnant Women**: Women seeking abortions will be informed of the law and its implications, and they will not be held liable for seeking such procedures.
- **Legal System**: The bill introduces new civil actions and penalties, potentially increasing the number of legal cases related to abortion practices.
## Procedural Timeline
- **March 31, 2025**: Bill filed and read for the first time.
- **April 9, 2025**: Amendment #1 adopted; bill reported correctly engrossed.
- **April 10, 2025**: Passed in the Senate and transmitted to the House.
- **April 15, 2025**: Returned by the Committee with a recommendation to pass.
- **April 16, 2025**: Passed in the House and ordered enrolled.
- **April 23, 2025**: Notification that SB 591 is now Act 973.
## Related Bills
- **HB 106**: A companion bill addressing similar issues related to abortion and race discrimination.
This summary provides an overview of Senate Bill 591, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the legal and medical landscape in Arkansas.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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