MD HB1271

Requires a mandatory 24-hour waiting period after transabdominal ultrasound before an abortion can be performed, reduced to 2 hours if the woman lives at least 100 miles from the facility

Mandates that ultrasound imaging determine gestational age when possible, include fetal dimensions and organs if viewable, and that a printed copy be retained for at least 7 years

Requires providers to verbally offer women the option to view the ultrasound image, receive a printed copy, and hear the fetal heartbeat, though women are not required to accept these offers

Exempts victims of rape or incest from the waiting period requirements if the incident has been reported to law enforcement

Establishes a penalty of up to $2,500 for qualified providers who violate these requirements, with an effective date of October 1, 2025