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HR 3130 112th Congress House Health Abortion Civil actions and liability Health information and medical records Medical ethics Medical tests and diagnostic methods Sex and reproductive health Women's health

Heartbeat Informed Consent Act

Introduced: October 6, 2011 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 7, 2011
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Oct 6, 2011
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Oct 6, 2011
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Heartbeat Informed Consent Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require abortion providers to perform an obstetric ultrasound on the pregnant woman, display the ultrasound images so that the she may view them, and provide a medical description of the ultrasound images of the unborn child's cardiac activity, if present and viewable. Requires the ultrasound to be performed before the woman gives informed consent for an abortion.

Requires an abortion provider to make the embryonic or fetal heartbeat audible for the pregnant woman to hear prior to the woman giving informed consent to an abortion if the pregnancy is at least eight weeks after fertilization.

Exempts an abortion provider if the abortion is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, physical illness, or physical injury, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. Requires a certification in such cases.

Subjects an abortion provider who knowingly or recklessly fails to comply with this Act to civil penalties and notification of the appropriate state medical licensing authority. Gives standing to file a civil action for violations of this Act to the Attorney General or a woman upon whom an abortion has been performed in violation of this Act or the parent or legal guardian of such a woman if she is an unemancipated minor.

What's happening now October 7, 2011

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2