Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB48

Introduced
1/3/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HB 48 could significantly impact state laws governing abortion procedures. It mandates that ultrasound images must be shared with women considering abortions, thereby creating an additional procedural requirement for healthcare providers. This increase in procedural complexity could lead to delays in obtaining abortions, as women will have to go through this extra step before consent can be given. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for civil penalties against providers who violate these requirements, possibly leading to legal repercussions and increased scrutiny on abortion practices.

Summary

House Bill 48, known as the 'Ultrasound Informed Consent Act', aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to require all abortion providers to perform an ultrasound on women seeking an abortion and to give them the opportunity to review the ultrasound images before providing informed consent for the procedure. The bill establishes a clear requirement for abortion providers to display ultrasound images and describe the medical details during the consent process, thereby enhancing the information available to women making this critical decision.

Contention

Controversy surrounding HB 48 centers on the implications for women's healthcare rights and the autonomy of the patient-provider relationship. Proponents of the bill argue it is essential for women to have all pertinent information, asserting that a woman deserves to understand the medical risks associated with the procedure. However, opponents view the bill as an attempt to impose additional barriers to abortion access, potentially undermining women's rights to make decisions about their own healthcare without unnecessary interference.

Congress_id

119-HR-48

Policy_area

Health

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB7031

Ultrasound Informed Consent Act

US HB421

Teleabortion Prevention Act of 2023 This bill restricts the use of telehealth for chemical abortions (also known as medication abortions). Specifically, it requires a provider who dispenses or prescribes medication for a chemical abortion to physically examine the patient, be physically present at the location of the chemical abortion, and schedule a follow-up visit for the patient. The bill provides an exception for a chemical abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, injury, or condition. The bill establishes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both—for a provider who does not comply with the requirements. A patient who undergoes a chemical abortion may not be prosecuted.

US HB10240

Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2024

US HB372

Protecting Life and Taxpayers Act of 2023 This bill requires federally funded entities to certify that they will not, subject to certain exceptions, perform abortions or provide funding to other entities that perform abortions. The bill provides exceptions for abortions (1) in cases of rape or incest; or (2) when the life of the woman is in danger due to a physical disorder, injury, or illness.

US SB5380

Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2024

US HB175

Heartbeat Protection Act of 2023 This bill makes it a crime for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion (1) without determining whether the unborn child has a detectable heartbeat, (2) without informing the mother of the results, or (3) after determining that a unborn child has a detectable heartbeat. A physician who performs a prohibited abortion is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. The bill provides an exception for an abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical (but not psychological or emotional) disorder, illness, or condition. It also provides exceptions for certain pregnancies that are the result of rape or incest. A physician who performs or attempts to perform an abortion under an exception must comply with specified requirements. A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.

US HB330

Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from awarding family planning grants to entities that perform abortions or provide funding to other entities that perform abortions. To receive a grant, an entity must certify it will refrain from those activities during the grant period. The bill provides exceptions for abortions (1) in cases of rape or incest; or (2) when the life of the woman is in danger due to a physical disorder, injury, or illness. It also exempts hospitals unless they provide funds to non-hospital entities that provide abortions. HHS must report annually on this prohibition.

US HB116

Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements for physicians who perform abortions and abortion clinics. Specifically, the bill requires a physician who performs an abortion (1) to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital; and (2) at the time of the abortion, to notify the patient of the hospital location where the patient can receive follow-up care if complications arise. A physician who fails to comply is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both. A woman who undergoes an abortion may not be prosecuted. The bill also requires an abortion clinic, in order to receive federal funds or assistance, to (1) be licensed by the state in which it is located, and (2) be in compliance with federal standards for ambulatory surgical centers.

US HB12

Women's Health Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits governmental restrictions on the provision of, and access to, abortion services. Before fetal viability, governments may not restrict providers from using particular abortion procedures or drugs, offering abortion services via telemedicine, or immediately providing abortion services if delaying risks the patient's health. Furthermore, governments may not require providers to perform unnecessary medical procedures, provide medically inaccurate information, or comply with credentialing or other conditions that do not apply to providers who offer medically comparable services to abortions. Additionally, governments may not require patients to make medically unnecessary in-person visits before receiving abortion services or disclose their reasons for obtaining services. After fetal viability, governments may not restrict providers from performing abortions when necessary to protect a patient's life and health. The same provisions that apply to abortions before viability also apply to necessary abortions after viability. Additionally, states may authorize post-viability abortions in circumstances beyond those that the bill considers necessary. Further, the bill recognizes an individual's right to interstate travel, including for abortion services. The bill also prohibits governments from implementing measures that are similar to those restricted by the bill or that otherwise single out and impede access to abortion services, unless the measure significantly advances the safety of abortion services or health of patients and cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The Department of Justice, individuals, or providers may sue states or government officials to enforce this bill, regardless of certain immunity that would otherwise apply.

US HB7

No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2023 This bill modifies provisions relating to federal funding for, and health insurance coverage of, abortions. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions or for health coverage that includes abortions. Such restrictions extend to the use of funds in the budget of the District of Columbia. Additionally, abortions may not be provided in a federal health care facility or by a federal employee. Historically, language has been included in annual appropriations bills for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions—such language is commonly referred to as the Hyde Amendment. Similar language is also frequently included in appropriations bills for other federal agencies and the District of Columbia. The bill makes these restrictions permanent and extends the restrictions to all federal funds (rather than specific agencies). The bill's restrictions regarding the use of federal funds do not apply in cases of rape, incest, or where a physical disorder, injury, or illness endangers a woman's life unless an abortion is performed. The Hyde Amendment provides the same exceptions. The bill also prohibits qualified health plans from including coverage for abortions. Currently, qualified health plans may cover abortion, but the portion of the premium attributable to abortion coverage is not eligible for subsidies.

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.