Signed by Governor Matt Bevin

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires an ultrasound prior to abortion.

Highlights:

• Requires physicians or qualified medical technicians to perform the following acts prior to an abortion in order to establish informed consent (Sec.1):
• Perform an obstetric ultrasound on the patient;
• Provide simultaneous explanation of what the ultrasound is depicting;
• Display the ultrasound images to the patient; and
• Play audio of the fetal heartbeat if audible.

• Requires physicians to indicate on the patient’s medical record that they have been presented with the information required by this bill prior to an abortion by having the patient provide their signature (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the patient to avert their eyes from the ultrasound images or request the volume of the heartbeat be reduced or turned off if audible (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions shall not apply in the case of a medical emergency or medical necessity (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that any physician or qualified technician found to be in violation of the provisions of Section 1 shall be reported by the court to the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and be subject to fines in the following amounts (Sec. 2):
• Up to $100,000 for the first offense; and
• Up to $250,000 for each subsequent offense.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires an ultrasound prior to abortion.

Highlights:

• Requires physicians or qualified medical technicians to perform the following acts prior to an abortion in order to establish informed consent (Sec.1):
• Perform an obstetric ultrasound on the patient;
• Provide simultaneous explanation of what the ultrasound is depicting;
• Display the ultrasound images to the patient; and
• Play audio of the fetal heartbeat if audible.

• Requires physicians to indicate on the patient’s medical record that they have been presented with the information required by this bill prior to an abortion by having the patient provide their signature (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the patient to avert their eyes from the ultrasound images or request the volume of the heartbeat be reduced or turned off if audible (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions shall not apply in the case of a medical emergency or medical necessity (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that any physician or qualified technician found to be in violation of the provisions of Section 1 shall be reported by the court to the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and be subject to fines in the following amounts (Sec. 2):
• Up to $100,000 for the first offense; and
• Up to $250,000 for each subsequent offense.

Full Bill Text