The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 is a law that forbids physicians from performing partial-birth abortions. A partial-birth abortion is a specific type of abortion that usually takes place late into a woman's pregnancy.
This law was challenged and brought to the Supreme Court in 2007. However, it was upheld.
Under the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, physicians can be punished if they attempt to do a partial-birth abortion. The punishment for such an act can include a prison sentence of not more than two years.
There are some circumstances, however, when a partial-birth abortion may be allowed to take place. For example, if the life of the mother is in danger during her pregnancy, then a physician will not be punished for conducting a partial-birth abortion.