Abortion; revise physician requirement and prohibit facilities from selling stem cells.
Impact
If passed, HB1379 will significantly impact how abortions are performed and regulated in Mississippi. By enforcing stricter guidelines on ultrasound procedures, the bill seeks to ensure that patients receive comprehensive information about their pregnancy status before making a decision regarding abortion. This may lead to potential delays in the abortion process, as additional requirements would need to be met, possibly influencing patients' decisions and access to services. Furthermore, medical facilities that do not comply with the new ultrasound requirements could face penalties from the State Department of Health, increasing the stakes for both healthcare providers and patients.
Summary
House Bill 1379 seeks to amend existing laws in Mississippi concerning abortion procedures, specifically focusing on the requirements related to ultrasound imaging and patient information. The bill adds the definition of 'auscultate' to the Mississippi Code and revises the requirements for performing an ultrasound prior to an abortion. It stipulates that physicians must provide not only the ultrasound images but also a simultaneous explanation of the imagery, including the location of the unborn child and any other pertinent medical details. Additionally, it requires that patients are given the option to hear the fetal heartbeat if audible.
Contention
One of the most notable points of contention surrounding HB1379 lies in the implications it has for medical autonomy and patient care. Supporters argue that providing thorough information ensures that women can make informed choices, while opponents may argue that it places unnecessary barriers in accessing abortion services, particularly in terms of additional medical requirements that could be seen as coercive. The bill also creates a new section that prohibits licensed abortion facilities from selling stem cells derived from human embryos or fetuses that have been discarded or subjected to harm. This reflects a growing sentiment to regulate aspects of reproductive health in ways that could further restrict women's rights to make choices about their bodies.
Relating to prohibiting abortions after detection of an unborn child's heartbeat and to requirements for performing or inducing an abortion; authorizing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense.
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)
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)