Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires an ultrasound prior to an abortion, and prohibits the use of telemedicine to perform abortions.

Highlights:

• Expands the definition of "abortion" to include the use of any means to terminate a woman's pregnancy (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits the use of telemedicine for abortions (Sec. 6).

• Requires the physician performing the abortion to conduct an obstetric ultrasound and the listening of the fetal heartbeat on the pregnant woman at least 1 hour prior to the abortion (Sec. 5).

• Requires the physician performing the abortion to provide the pregnant woman with the opportunity to view the ultrasound image and listen to the heartbeat at least 1 hour prior to the abortion (Sec. 5).

• Requires the physician performing the abortion to offer a simultaneous verbal explanation of the ultrasound including the (Sec. 5):
• The presence and location of the fetus in the uterus;
• The number of fetuses;
• The dimensions of the fetus; and
• A description of external members or internal organs present.

• Requires the physician performing the abortion to provide the pregnant woman with a physical picture of the ultrasound image (Sec. 5).

• Requires the pregnant woman to certify in writing that she has been given the opportunity to view the ultrasound and hear the auscultation of the fetus' heartbeat before the abortion can be performed (Sec. 5).

• Specifies that if the provisions of this act are not adhered to by the physician, the father of the fetus if married to the mother, the woman receiving the abortion, or the maternal grandparents of the fetus if the woman is a minor may all claim simple negligence, gross negligence, wantonness, willfulness, intention or any other legal standard of care in court (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text