AL HB418

Establishes the "Right to Know and See Act" requiring physicians to perform an obstetric ultrasound, provide verbal explanation, and display ultrasound images to pregnant women before performing an abortion.

Permits a qualified technician (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer certified in obstetrics and gynecology or a Nurse Midwife/Advance Practice Nurse Practitioner in Obstetrics) to perform the ultrasound instead of the physician.

Exempts abortions performed in medical emergencies, defined as conditions that necessitate immediate abortion to avert death or serious risk of substantial irreversible physical impairment, excluding psychological or emotional conditions.

Establishes criminal penalties of a Class C felony for knowingly or recklessly performing an abortion in violation of the act, with no penalty assessed against the pregnant woman; allows civil actions by the pregnant woman, father, or grandparent of the unborn child for actual and punitive damages.

Requires courts to preserve anonymity of pregnant women in civil or criminal proceedings unless she consents to disclosure, and allows private plaintiffs to bring actions under a pseudonym.