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TCA 39-15-212

Viability determination

MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

Physicians cannot perform abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy without first determining the fetus is not viable (cannot survive outside the womb), except in medical emergencies. The physician must perform an examination measuring gestational age, fetal weight, and other factors, and document findings in the patient's medical record. Violations are Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and/or up to $2,500 in fines, plus mandatory medical license suspension for at least 6 months.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass A Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail11 months 29 days
Maximum Fine$2,500
Penalty SummaryClass A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500
(a) Except in a medical emergency that prevents compliance with this subsection (a), no physician shall perform or induce, or attempt to perform or induce, an abortion upon a pregnant woman after the beginning of the twentieth week of pregnancy, as measured by gestational age, unless, prior to the performance or inducement of the abortion, or the attempt to perform or induce the abortion, the physician determines, in the physician’s good faith medical judgment, that the unborn child is not viable. In making the good faith medical determination, the physician shall perform a medical examination of the pregnant woman and assess gestational age, weight, bi-parietal diameter, and other factors that the physician in the physician’s good faith medical judgement would consider in determining whether an unborn child is viable. (b) Except in a medical emergency that prevents compliance with this subsection (b), no physician shall perform or induce, or attempt to perform or induce, an abortion upon a pregnant woman after the beginning of her twentieth week of pregnancy (as measured by gestational age), without first entering the determination made in subsection (a) and the associated findings of the medical examination and assessment described in subsection (a) in the medical record of the pregnant woman. (c) A violation of subsection (a) or (b) is a Class A misdemeanor. (d) The appropriate licensing authority shall suspend, for a period of not less than six (6) months, the medical license of a physician who violates subsection (a) or (b).
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section39-15-212
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500