Senate Bill 1387 Summary

• Department of Health and Welfare must publish easily comprehended, medically accurate materials for distribution at no cost to abortion providers, including descriptions of fetal development from week 4-24, abortion procedures, risks/complications, and a comprehensive list of providers offering free ultrasounds.

• Pregnant patients must receive the department-provided materials at least 24 hours before an abortion, except in medical emergencies; physicians or agents must certify in writing that materials were provided.

• Prior to informed consent and anesthesia administration, the performing physician or qualified technician must perform an obstetric ultrasound and inform the patient of her right to view the image and receive a physical picture; the patient may decline viewing.

• Physician or agent must sign and date a detailed statement documenting the ultrasound performance, gestational age, heart rate, and patient's acceptance or refusal of viewing and picture options; patient must initial each point and sign the statement.

• Knowing failure to comply with ultrasound and documentation requirements subjects physicians to discipline and civil penalties of $100 per month of noncompliance, but does not constitute a criminal act.