Ultrasound Informed Consent Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Jan 22, 2015)
Ultrasound Informed Consent Act
Amends the Public Health Service Act to require abortion providers, before a woman gives informed consent to any part of an abortion, to perform 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, and provide 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.
Prohibits construing this Act to require a woman to view the images or penalizing the provider or the woman if she declines to look at the images.
Exempts an abortion provider if the abortion is necessary to save the life of a woman whose life is endangered by a physical condition. Requires the provider to include in the woman's medical file a certification of the specific medical circumstances that support this determination.
Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action in federal court against any abortion provider who knowingly violates this Act. Prescribes penalties. Directs the Attorney General to notify the appropriate state medical licensing authority of penalties assessed. Authorizes a woman upon whom an abortion has been performed in violation of this Act to commence a civil action against the provider for actual and punitive damages.
What just happenedJan 23, 2015
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in HouseJan 22, 2015
- Jan 23, 2015Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Health Subcommittee - Jan 22, 2015IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Energy and Commerce Committee - Jan 22, 2015IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Jan 22, 2015IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House