Requires physicians to provide patients opportunity to undergo obstetrical ultrasound or sonogram within 48 hours of performing abortion.
Impact
The bill affects the interaction between patients and healthcare providers by requiring not only the offer of an ultrasound or sonogram but also the communication of any potential health irregularities discovered during the procedure. If such irregularities might endanger the health of the patient, they must be disclosed at least 24 hours before the scheduled abortion. This procedural step adds a layer of accountability for physicians and aims to enhance patient safety.
Summary
Bill S655, also known as the 'Full Disclosure Ultrasound Act,' mandates that physicians provide patients with an opportunity to undergo an ultrasound or sonogram and view the corresponding image of the embryo or fetus within 48 hours of a referral for an abortion or at least 48 hours prior to the abortion procedure. This requirement aims to ensure that patients are fully informed before proceeding with an abortion procedure, highlighting the importance of patient autonomy and informed consent in healthcare decision-making.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding S655 include the implications for patients' access to timely abortion care, particularly under 'medical emergency' scenarios where waiting for an ultrasound may delay necessary procedures. The legislation excuses physicians from complying with the requirements if a medical emergency is present; however, this definition is tightly controlled, possibly leading to disputes over what constitutes such an emergency. Furthermore, civil penalties for non-compliance create a significant legal pressure on healthcare providers, raising questions about the balance between patient welfare and healthcare provider autonomy.
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)
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.
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.
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)
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 insurance coverage of sonograms and other diagnostic procedures used to detect breast cancer for covered persons with a prior history of breast cancer or who have a first degree relative with a prior history of breast cancer.
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.