HB 919 Summary

• Requires physicians to obtain a 72-hour informed consent period before performing an abortion (24 hours if 72-hour requirement is enjoined by court order), except in medical emergencies.

• Mandates that women receive in-person, written information about the abortion procedure, medical risks, gestational age, fetal characteristics, abortion alternatives, support services, and fetal pain information at least 72 hours prior to the procedure.

• Requires women to view an active ultrasound of the unborn child and hear the heartbeat (if audible) at least 72 hours before the abortion, with a department-maintained list of ultrasound providers offered.

• Specifies that all required information must be presented individually in a private room by a physician, physician assistant, nurse, psychologist, counselor, or social worker acting under physician supervision.

• Requires the department to produce written materials and forms describing abortion methods, medical risks, fetal development at two-week gestational increments, pregnancy alternatives, and paternity/child support information by November 30, 2010.