Bill · H.R. 48· House(119-HR-48)
Ultrasound Informed Consent Act
- Introduced
- 1/3/2025
- Last activity
- 1/3/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Andy Biggs
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Ultrasound Informed Consent Act," seeks to amend the Public Health Service Act. It requires abortion providers to perform an obstetric ultrasound on a woman before she gives informed consent for an abortion. The provider must also display the images and provide a medical description of what is being depicted. This requirement includes details like dimensions and cardiac activity. However, an exception is made if the abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother. The act also establishes civil penalties for providers who fail to comply.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill empowers the Attorney General to commence civil actions against providers for federal regulatory violations.
The opposite· 3 of 6
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-5
The bill imposes heavy civil penalties of up to $250,000 on providers who fail to comply with ultrasound requirements.
Would women be better off under this?-3
The bill imposes additional medical requirements and procedural burdens on women seeking abortions.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?-3
The mandatory ultrasound and high civil penalties may act as a barrier to accessing abortion services.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Information for Women: Under Section 3402(b), women seeking an abortion would receive an obstetric ultrasound, a simultaneous explanation of the images, and a medical description including dimensions and cardiac activity. This ensures the woman has the opportunity to review the ultrasound before giving informed consent.
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Protection of Life in Emergencies: Section 3403 provides an exception so that the ultrasound requirements do not apply if an abortion is necessary to save the life of a mother due to physical disorders, illnesses, or injuries.
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Personal Choice Regarding Viewing: Section 3402(c) allows a woman to turn her eyes away from the ultrasound images, meaning she is not forced to look at them if she does not want to.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Penalties for Providers: Under Section 3404(a), abortion providers who knowingly violate these requirements could face civil penalties of up to $100,000 for a first violation or $250,000 for subsequent violations.
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Legal Liability for Providers: Section 3404(b) allows a woman to initiate a civil action against an abortion provider for actual and punitive damages if the abortion was performed in violation of this title.
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Professional Consequences: According to Section 3404(a)(2), if the Attorney General assesses a civil penalty, they must notify the appropriate State medical licensing authority.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women-3Good For Low Income Households-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support-5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Due Process-2
- 1/9/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/3/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Eric BurlisonRepublican · Missouri
Dan CrenshawRepublican · Texas
Elijah CraneRepublican · Arizona