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Woman’s Right To Know Act
2/3/2024, 12:45 PM
Summary of Bill S 3609
The bill requires that healthcare providers give women seeking an abortion certain information at least 24 hours before the procedure. This information includes details about the potential risks and complications of the abortion procedure, as well as information about alternatives to abortion such as adoption and parenting.
Additionally, the bill mandates that healthcare providers offer women the opportunity to view an ultrasound of the fetus before undergoing an abortion. This is intended to provide women with more information about the development of the fetus and help them make a more informed decision about their pregnancy. Supporters of the bill argue that it is important for women to have all the necessary information before making such a significant decision. They believe that the Woman's Right To Know Act empowers women to make informed choices about their reproductive health. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it is unnecessary and imposes unnecessary burdens on women seeking abortions. They believe that the bill is designed to shame and guilt women into not having an abortion, rather than providing them with unbiased information. Overall, the Woman's Right To Know Act is a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to ensure that women have access to comprehensive information about their reproductive health options. It is currently being debated in Congress, and its fate remains uncertain.
Congressional Summary of S 3609
Woman's Right To Know Act
This bill specifies requirements for informed consent that health care providers must obtain before performing an abortion procedure.
Providers must present a woman seeking an abortion with an authorization form at least 24 hours before performing the procedure. The form must (1) include specified information concerning gestational age, associated developmental characteristics, and medical risks; (2) disclose penalties that providers may face for failing to obtain the requisite informed consent; and (3) include an affirmation that the individual signing the form understands the information. The form must be signed and witnessed in person and retained in the medical file.
Providers do not have to obtain such consent if, in reasonable medical judgment, obtaining it would pose a greater risk of death or substantial physical impairment of a major bodily function, excluding psychological or emotional conditions, of the pregnant woman.
The bill also establishes civil penalties for providers who do not comply with these requirements.
