Kentucky Forced Ultrasound Bill (SB 7)

SB 7 would require physicians to perform an obstetric ultrasound prior to an abortion and before the patient can give her informed written consent. The bill provides that during the ultrasound the physician must display the ultrasound images so the patient “may” view them; provide a simultaneous explanation of what the ultrasound depicts; and provide a medical description of the ultrasound images, including the dimensions of the embryo or fetus and the presence of internal and external organs if present and viewable.

Although the woman would be permitted to avert her eyes and the law would not penalize a woman or physician if the woman refuses to look at the images, the bill would still force the pregnant woman to listen to a depiction of the ultrasound.

The provisions of this law would not apply in cases of medical emergency or necessity. If a medical emergency requires an abortion, the physician would have to note the reason for the abortion in the woman’s medical chart and, if possible, inform the woman of the reason for the medical emergency.

A violation of the provision might result in a fine and disciplinary action.

STATUS

Passed Senate on February 5, 2015 but died in the House Health and Welfare Committee.

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