Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires abortion providers to administer an obstetric ultrasound prior to performing an abortion.

Highlights:

- Requires the abortion provider to perform an obstetric ultrasound, provide the ultrasound images to the pregnant women, and give a medical explanation of the images, including the dimensions of the embryo or fetus and the presence of external organs [sec. 2 (1-4)]. Requires abortion providers to certify in writing the specific conditions necessary to perform an abortion due to medical emergency. The certification will remain in the pregnant woman's medical file for a period of not less than seven years [sec. 2 (D)]. - Fines abortion providers who violate this Act $10,000 for the first violation, $50,000 for the second violation, and $100,000 for the third violation and every violation thereafter [sec. 3 (C)]. - Requires the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision or the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners to revoke or suspend the license of abortion providers who violate this Act [sec 3. (E)]. - Establishes the effective date of this act as a November 1, 2008 (Sec. 4). - This is a substitute bill offered by the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

Full Bill Text