New Jersey Senate Bill S383

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires physicians to provide patients opportunity to undergo obstetrical ultrasound or sonogram within 48 hours of performing abortion.

Impact

If enacted, S383 will significantly alter the informed consent process for abortion procedures in New Jersey. All facilities that perform abortions must possess functional ultrasound equipment ready for use, or have access to such equipment. This change is likely to affect the operational capacity of clinics and establish new protocols for patient care regarding abortion services, potentially increasing the time between referral and the procedure itself, which may also influence patient decisions.

Summary

Senate Bill S383, also known as the 'Full Disclosure Ultrasound Act,' mandates that physicians provide patients the opportunity to undergo an obstetrical ultrasound or sonogram within 48 hours prior to performing an abortion. This bill aims to ensure that patients receive critical information about their pregnancies, specifically offering them the chance to view images of the embryo or fetus as part of the informed consent process. Any significant health irregularities disclosed during the ultrasound must also be communicated to the patient at least 24 hours before the scheduled abortion.

Contention

The bill introduces civil penalties for physicians who do not comply with its provisions, creating a mechanism that could have both legal and financial implications for practitioners. Critics of the bill may view these requirements as an encroachment on medical autonomy and an attempt to influence personal health decisions under the banner of informed consent. Furthermore, the definition of a 'medical emergency' within the bill could lead to contention over its application, as it excludes psychological conditions from the emergency criteria, raising ethical considerations around patient care.