SB 393 - This act modifies the current law on informed consent for abortions. Currently, a physician must provide the pregnant woman an opportunity to view an active ultrasound and to hear the heartbeat, if audible, of the unborn child at least 24 hours prior to an abortion. This act requires, at least 24 hours prior to an abortion, a physician to conduct and review with the woman an active ultrasound and allow the woman to hear the heartbeat of the unborn child if it is audible. When reviewing the ultrasound with the woman, there shall be a verbal description of all relevant features of the ultrasound and audible heartbeat if present. Upon request and without additional charge, the pregnant woman shall be given a photograph or print of the ultrasound image of a quality consistent with the current standard medical practice.
If the ultrasound cannot be conducted at the abortion facility and in order to provide the possibility of a second opinion, the woman shall be provided with a list of ultrasound providers maintained by the Department of Heath and Senior Services. The woman shall be required to submit verification from the facility that conducted the ultrasound that it was reviewed with the woman and that she was allowed the opportunity to view the ultrasound and hear the heartbeat of the unborn child.
No abortion can be performed or induced until the woman obtaining the abortion certifies in writing that an active ultrasound has been conducted and reviewed with her, allowing her to review the image of the unborn child and hear the heartbeat if the heartbeat is audible.
This act is substantially similar to HB 298 (2013).
ADRIANE CROUSE