Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that specifies various procedures that must be followed before a physician can perform an abortion.

Highlights:

-Specifies that an abortion can only be performed on a woman without coercion and with her voluntary and informed consent provided at least 24 hours prior to the abortion (Sec. A). -Requires the physician who is to perform the abortion to inform the woman orally, in writing and in person of the following (Sec. A):

-The name of the physician who will perform the abortion; -A description of the proposed abortion method; -The immediate and long-term medical risks to the woman associated with the abortion; -Information detailing alternatives to the abortion; -A statement that the physician performing the abortion is available for any questions concerning the abortion together with the telephone number of the physician; -The location of a hospital offering obstetrical or gynecological care located within 30 miles of the location of the abortion; -The gestational age of the unborn child at the time the abortion is to be performed; and -The anatomical and physiological characteristics of the unborn child at the time of the abortion.

-Requires that the physician who is to perform the abortion or a qualified professional present the woman printed materials or an informational video describing probable anatomical and physiological characteristics of the unborn child at two-week gestational increments (Sec. A). -Requires that the physician who is to perform the abortion or a qualified professional provide the woman with the opportunity to view an active ultrasound image of the unborn child and hear the heartbeat of the unborn child if it is audible at least 24 hours before the abortion (Sec. A). -Requires that the physician who is to perform the abortion or a qualified professional presents the woman printed materials or an informational video explaining that the father of the unborn child is liable to assist in the support of the child (Sec. A). -Requires the following message to be posted at every abortion facility, as well as be printed in the materials presented to the woman: "No one can coerce you to have an abortion. It is against the law for a husband, a boyfriend, a parent, a friend, a medical care provider, or any other person to coerce you in any way to have an abortion" (Sec. A). -Specifies that no abortion shall be performed unless the woman upon whom the abortion is to be performed certifies in writing on a checklist that she has been presented with all the information required by this section, that she has been provided the opportunity to view an active ultrasound image of the unborn child and hear the heartbeat of the unborn child if it is audible, and that she further certifies that she gives her voluntary and informed consent freely and without coercion, to the abortion procedure (Sec. A). -Specifies that if a minor who is less than eighteen years of age and who has not obtained a court-ordered consent to an abortion presents herself for an abortion, the abortion facility to which she presents herself or the physician performing the abortion must as soon as practically possible notify the prosecuting attorney of the county (Sec. A).

Full Bill Text