HB1578 Summary

• Repeals the Woman's Right to Know Act of 2001 and replaces it with a new Woman's Right-to-Know Act requiring physicians to provide detailed informed consent at least 48 hours before performing an abortion.

• Mandates the Department of Health publish printed materials and informational DVD in English and Spanish describing fetal development at two-week gestational increments, abortion methods and risks, alternatives to abortion, and resources for pregnant women.

• Requires physicians to orally inform women in person of specific information including the abortion method, medical risks, gestational age, characteristics of the unborn child, risks of carrying to term, and information on reversing abortion-inducing drugs.

• Mandates abortion facilities display conspicuous signage stating that it is unlawful to force a woman to have an abortion and that women have the right to contact law enforcement or social services for protection from coercion.

• Establishes civil liability and criminal penalties (Class A misdemeanor) for violations, including professional disciplinary action, while exempting women from penalties and allowing them to proceed anonymously in court proceedings.