H.R. 3805 112th Congress House

Ultrasound Informed Consent Act

Official title: 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.

Introduced: January 27, 2012 Introduced by: Jim Jordan Republican · Ohio See on congress.gov

Health AbortionCivil actions and liabilityHealth information and medical recordsMedical ethics

More subjectsShow fewer subjects

Medical tests and diagnostic methodsSex and reproductive healthWomen's health

Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps

Introduced

In committee

Reported out

Passed House

Passed Senate

To President

Became law

Jan 23, 2012

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Jan 23, 2012

Introduced in House

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Latest action January 23, 2012

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

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 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 the provider to include in the woman's medical file a truthful and accurate certification of the specific medical circumstances that support such 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.

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