H.R. 48
Ultrasound Informed Consent Act
In Plain Language
This bill requires doctors to perform an ultrasound before an abortion and show the pregnant woman the images while explaining what they show, including the fetus's size and heartbeat if visible. Women don't have to look at the images, and doctors won't face penalties if they refuse, but doctors can be sued or penalized for not following these rules. The requirement doesn't apply if pregnancy poses a life-threatening risk to the woman.
Official Congressional Research Service 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.
Sponsor
Cosponsors
Latest action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Jan 3, 2025
Official source
Action history
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