Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB528

Introduced
2/21/24  
Refer
2/23/24  

Caption

Establishing the Kansas ultrasound act, requiring that an obstetric ultrasound be performed on a woman prior to an abortion, permitting a woman to avert her eyes from the ultrasound images, establishing civil and criminal penalties and providing an emergency exception to requirements of the act.

Impact

The implementation of SB528 would establish specific civil and criminal penalties for abortion providers who fail to comply with the ultrasound requirements. Under the proposed legislation, violations could result in significant legal repercussions, including being charged with a severity level 9, nonperson felony. Furthermore, the bill allows women, and in certain cases, their guardians, to pursue civil action for damages if they undergo an abortion contrary to the provisions of the act, which could drastically alter the legal landscape surrounding abortion services in Kansas.

Summary

Senate Bill 528, known as the Kansas Ultrasound Act, mandates that an obstetric ultrasound be performed on a woman prior to undergoing an abortion. The bill requires the abortion provider to present the ultrasound images and provide a verbal explanation of what the images depict, including the location and presence of the unborn child. Importantly, the legislation allows the woman to avert her eyes from the ultrasound images if she chooses to do so. This aspect aims to balance the requirements of informed consent with the autonomy of the woman involved.

Contention

The bill, while aimed at ensuring informed consent and providing information, raises substantial concerns regarding women's rights and autonomy. Critics argue that such regulations may lead to emotional distress and added pressure for women considering an abortion. The provision that allows women to avert their eyes from the images adds a layer of complexity to the discussion, as it highlights the debate surrounding the psychological impacts of mandatory ultrasound procedures. Furthermore, the potential legal liabilities imposed on abortion providers may restrict access to essential services, engendering significant discourse on reproductive rights and state intervention in personal medical decisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2814

Establishing the Kansas ultrasound act, requiring that an obstetric ultrasound be performed on a woman prior to an abortion, permitting a woman to avert her eyes from the ultrasound images, establishing civil and criminal penalties and providing an emergency exception to requirements of the act.

KS SB528

Requires an obstetric ultrasound be performed prior to an abortion. (8/15/10) (EN GF EX See Note)

KS HB325

Relating to providing access to an ultrasound before an abortion.

KS HB48

Ultrasound Informed Consent ActThis bill requires abortion providers to conduct an ultrasound before performing an abortion.Specifically, before a woman gives informed consent to any part of an abortion, the abortion provider mustperform an obstetric ultrasound on the pregnant woman;provide a simultaneous explanation of what the ultrasound is depicting;display the ultrasound images so the woman may view them; andprovide a complete medical description of the images, including the dimensions of the embryo or fetus, cardiac activity if present and visible, and the presence of external members and internal organs if present and viewable.Providers are subject to civil actions and penalties for violations.The bill's ultrasound requirements do not apply in cases where a physical disorder, illness, or injury endangers a woman's life. A woman is also not required to view the ultrasound images; nor may she or the provider be penalized if she declines to do so.

KS HB797

Ultrasounds Save Lives Act of 2025

KS SB708

Requires that notice and election form be provided to, the fetal heartbeat be made audible to, and ultrasound images be displayed for review by, a pregnant woman prior to an abortion. (8/1/12)

KS HB3265

Require an ultrasound prior to abortion

KS HB2321

Require an ultrasound prior to abortion

KS HB4328

Require an ultrasound prior to abortion

KS HB0064

Chemical abortions-ultrasound requirement.

Similar Bills

SC S0506

Dr. Richard Hoppmann

LA SB708

Requires that notice and election form be provided to, the fetal heartbeat be made audible to, and ultrasound images be displayed for review by, a pregnant woman prior to an abortion. (8/1/12)

LA SB528

Requires an obstetric ultrasound be performed prior to an abortion. (8/15/10) (EN GF EX See Note)

NJ S885

Prohibits pre-approval or precertification of prenatal ultrasound screenings covered under health benefits plans.

NJ A3275

Prohibits pre-approval or precertification of prenatal ultrasound screenings covered under health benefits plans.

NJ A4431

Prohibits preauthorization of certain ultrasound screenings covered under health benefits plans.

IL HB2619

ULTRASOUND OPPORTUNITY ACT

NJ A2983

Prohibits pre-approval or precertification of prenatal ultrasound screenings covered under health benefits plans.