VA SB708

Requires physicians to obtain oral and written informed consent at least two weeks before performing a hysterectomy or oophorectomy

Mandates patients receive a referral to the Hysterectomy Educational Resources and Services (HERS) Foundation and website

Requires physicians to provide patients with color diagrams showing female pelvic organs, supporting structures, nerve supply, and blood supply to reproductive organs

Patients must sign a written statement confirming they understand the procedure will render them permanently sterile and incapable of having children

Exempts life-threatening emergency situations where prior written informed consent is not possible