Ultrasound Informed Consent Act

1/30/2025, 11:23 AM

Ultrasound Informed Consent Act

This 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 must

  • 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.

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.

Bill 119 hr 48, also known as the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act, aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to require that women seeking an abortion must receive an ultrasound and have the opportunity to review the ultrasound before giving informed consent to proceed with the abortion. This bill is intended to ensure that women have all the necessary information before making a decision about their pregnancy.

The bill does not mandate that women must undergo an ultrasound, but rather that they must be given the option to receive one and review the results before moving forward with the abortion. This is meant to provide women with a better understanding of the development of the fetus and potentially help them make a more informed decision.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is important for women to have all the information available to them before making such a significant decision. They believe that seeing an ultrasound can help women better understand the reality of the situation and potentially change their minds about having an abortion. Opponents of the bill argue that it is unnecessary and intrusive, as it could potentially add additional barriers for women seeking abortions. They believe that women should have the right to make their own decisions about their bodies without government interference. Overall, Bill 119 hr 48 is a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to ensure that women seeking abortions have access to all the information they need to make an informed decision. It will be important to monitor the progress of this bill and see how it may impact women's reproductive rights in the future.
Congress
119
Number
HR - 48
Introduced on
2025-01-03
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/3/2025
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Ultrasound Informed Consent Act

This 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 must

  • 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.

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.

Bill 119 hr 48, also known as the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act, aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to require that women seeking an abortion must receive an ultrasound and have the opportunity to review the ultrasound before giving informed consent to proceed with the abortion. This bill is intended to ensure that women have all the necessary information before making a decision about their pregnancy.

The bill does not mandate that women must undergo an ultrasound, but rather that they must be given the option to receive one and review the results before moving forward with the abortion. This is meant to provide women with a better understanding of the development of the fetus and potentially help them make a more informed decision.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is important for women to have all the information available to them before making such a significant decision. They believe that seeing an ultrasound can help women better understand the reality of the situation and potentially change their minds about having an abortion. Opponents of the bill argue that it is unnecessary and intrusive, as it could potentially add additional barriers for women seeking abortions. They believe that women should have the right to make their own decisions about their bodies without government interference. Overall, Bill 119 hr 48 is a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to ensure that women seeking abortions have access to all the information they need to make an informed decision. It will be important to monitor the progress of this bill and see how it may impact women's reproductive rights in the future.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure that women seeking an abortion receive an ultrasound and the opportunity to review the ultrasound before giving informed consent to receive an abortion.

Comments

Related

Committee:  
Energy and Commerce

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/4/2025

Ultrasound Informed Consent Act

This 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...

Latest Action1/3/2025
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.