Glossary

Heartbeat law

A state law banning abortion once cardiac activity can be detected in an embryo, generally around six weeks of pregnancy.

Also called: fetal heartbeat bill, six-week abortion ban, Senate Bill 8

A heartbeat law is a state abortion restriction that prohibits abortion after fetal cardiac activity can be detected, which in most cases is about six weeks of gestation, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Supporters of the term consider the detection of a heartbeat a meaningful marker of life, while medical groups note that at that stage the "heartbeat" is electrical activity in developing tissue, not a formed heart.

Several states passed such laws starting in 2013, but courts blocked them as inconsistent with Roe v. Wade. Texas's Senate Bill 8 (2021) drew attention by relying on enforcement through private lawsuits rather than by state officials, which complicated challenges, and the Supreme Court declined to block it. After Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) overturned Roe, laws in states including Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Iowa took effect, and others were changed.

Supporters, including pro-life groups, argue that the laws protect unborn life as early as possible. Opponents argue that six weeks gives too little time to obtain care, endangers women with pregnancy complications and that the exceptions are unclear. Ballot measures in several states have restored abortion rights, and some states have since loosened restrictions. Courts at the state level continue to hear cases on the laws.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

In the index now

Related terms

Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization The 2022 Supreme Court decision holding that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion, returning the issue to elected officials. Pro-life The position, and movement, that regards unborn human life as deserving legal protection and opposes abortion, with varying views on exceptions. Hyde Amendment A rider, in place since 1976, that bars federal funds from paying for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother's life. Conscience clause A law protecting individuals and institutions from being forced to take part in activities they find morally or religiously objectionable, often in health care. Substantive due process A doctrine holding that the Due Process Clauses protect certain fundamental rights from government interference, not just fair procedures.