SB12 Summary

• Requires physicians to perform an obstetric ultrasound using vaginal or abdominal transducer, provide simultaneous verbal explanation of findings, and display images to the pregnant woman before performing an abortion.

• Exempts abortions performed in medical emergencies, defined as conditions necessitating immediate abortion to avert the woman's death or serious risk of substantial irreversible physical impairment to a major bodily function.

• Establishes violation of ultrasound requirements as a Class C felony, with no penalty imposed on the woman upon whom the abortion is performed.

• Allows the woman, father of the unborn child, or grandparent to bring civil actions for actual and punitive damages against providers who knowingly or recklessly violate the act; requires attorney's fees for prevailing plaintiffs.

• Preserves anonymity of women in all court proceedings unless they consent to disclosure, requiring courts to seal records and exclude public from hearings as necessary to protect identity.