Health Subcommittee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Woman's Right To Know Act This bill requires health care providers to perform an ultrasound and obtain certain informed consent before performing an abortion procedure. Specifically, before performing an abortion, providers must first perform an ultrasound and share the results with the woman, and also present the woman with an authorization form at least 24 hours before performing the abortion procedure. The form must (1) include specified information concerning gestational age, associated developmental characteristics, and medical risks; (2) include a statement that an ultrasound has been performed and the results were shared with the woman; (3) disclose penalties that providers may face for failing to comply with the bill's requirements; and (4) include an affirmation that the individual signing the form understands the information. The form must be signed and witnessed in person and retained in the medical file. The bill's requirements do not apply if, in reasonable medical judgment, compliance would pose a greater risk of death or substantial physical impairment of a major bodily function, excluding psychological or emotional conditions, of the pregnant woman. The bill also establishes civil penalties for providers who do not comply with these requirements.
AbortionCivil actions and liabilityHealth care coverage and accessHealth information and medical recordsLawyers and legal servicesWomen's health
Woman’s Right To Know Act
USA118th CongressHR-6636| House
| Updated: 12/12/2023
Woman's Right To Know Act This bill requires health care providers to perform an ultrasound and obtain certain informed consent before performing an abortion procedure. Specifically, before performing an abortion, providers must first perform an ultrasound and share the results with the woman, and also present the woman with an authorization form at least 24 hours before performing the abortion procedure. The form must (1) include specified information concerning gestational age, associated developmental characteristics, and medical risks; (2) include a statement that an ultrasound has been performed and the results were shared with the woman; (3) disclose penalties that providers may face for failing to comply with the bill's requirements; and (4) include an affirmation that the individual signing the form understands the information. The form must be signed and witnessed in person and retained in the medical file. The bill's requirements do not apply if, in reasonable medical judgment, compliance would pose a greater risk of death or substantial physical impairment of a major bodily function, excluding psychological or emotional conditions, of the pregnant woman. The bill also establishes civil penalties for providers who do not comply with these requirements.