Ultrasound Informed Consent Act
Ultrasound Informed Consent Act
Plain Language Summary
# Ultrasound Informed Consent Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would require abortion providers to perform an ultrasound examination before any abortion procedure. The provider must show the ultrasound images to the pregnant woman and explain what they depict, including details about the embryo or fetus size, heart activity (if visible), and any visible organs or body parts. The woman would have the right to decline viewing the images without penalty, and the ultrasound requirement wouldn't apply in medical emergencies threatening a woman's life. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The bill primarily affects abortion providers and women seeking abortion services. Providers who fail to comply could face civil lawsuits and penalties.
The legislation requires detailed medical descriptions of ultrasound findings be provided to patients as part of the informed consent process. However, a woman cannot be penalized for choosing not to look at the ultrasound images. **Current Status:** HR 48 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Ultrasound Informed Consent ActThis bill requires abortion providers to conduct an ultrasound before performing an abortion.Specifically, before a woman gives informed consent to any part of an abortion, the abortion provider mustperform an obstetric ultrasound on the pregnant woman;provide a simultaneous explanation of what the ultrasound is depicting;display the ultrasound images so the woman may view them; andprovide a complete medical description of the images, including the dimensions of the embryo or fetus, cardiac activity if present and visible, and the presence of external members and internal organs if present and viewable.Providers are subject to civil actions and penalties for violations.The bill's ultrasound requirements do not apply in cases where a physical disorder, illness, or injury endangers a woman's life. A woman is also not required to view the ultrasound images; nor may she or the provider be penalized if she declines to do so.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.