Ultrasound Informed Consent Act

HR 48, the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act, requires abortion providers performing an abortion to first conduct an ultrasound, explain the images, display them to the patient, and describe key details like embryo/fetus size, heartbeat (if visible), and organ development. It applies to all abortion providers in interstate commerce, directly affecting patients seeking abortions and the providers who perform them. The bill includes an exception for medical emergencies endangering the mother’s life, and explicitly allows patients to decline viewing the images without penalty. Violations could result in civil fines up to $250,000 per incident or patient lawsuits for damages.