Senate Bill 1243 Summary

• Requires the Department of Health and Welfare to publish and maintain a stable internet website containing informed consent materials about abortion procedures, fetal development, available support services, and abortion provider information.

• Mandates physicians or their agents inform patients at least 24 hours before an abortion that ultrasound imaging and heartbeat monitoring are available, and must provide the website address and list of free ultrasound providers.

• Adds new requirement for printed materials to include information about chemical abortion, including any interventions that may affect effectiveness or result in abortion reversals, with directions for obtaining further information from health care providers.

• Specifies that patients have a right to view ultrasound images and receive a physical picture of the ultrasound before abortion, with no abortion fees collected until required information is provided.

• Establishes a civil penalty of $100 per month for physicians who knowingly fail to comply with these requirements, subject to disciplinary action but not criminal prosecution.