summary
Introduced
03/04/2020
03/04/2020
In Committee
03/04/2020
03/04/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020
12/31/2020
Introduced Session
116th Congress
Bill Summary
To ensure that women seeking an abortion are notified, before giving informed consent to receive an abortion, of the medical risks associated with the abortion procedure and the major developmental characteristics of the unborn child. This bill specifies requirements for informed consent that health care providers must obtain before performing an abortion procedure. Providers must present a woman seeking an abortion with an authorization form at least 24 hours before performing the procedure. The form must (1) include specified information concerning gestational age, associated developmental characteristics, and medical risks; (2) disclose penalties that providers may face for failing to obtain the requisite informed consent; and (3) 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. Providers do not have to obtain such consent if, in reasonable medical judgment, obtaining it 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.
AI Summary
This bill, the Woman's Right To Know Act, aims to ensure that women seeking an abortion are notified of the medical risks and the developmental characteristics of the unborn child before giving informed consent for the procedure. The bill requires abortion providers to present a woman with an informed consent authorization form at least 24 hours before the abortion, which must include information on the gestational age, developmental milestones, and medical risks. The form must be signed by the woman, the provider, and a witness, and retained in the patient's medical file. Providers can be subject to civil penalties of up to $250,000 for failing to comply with these requirements, but the woman herself cannot be penalized. The bill also allows women or their parents to bring a civil action against the provider for appropriate relief, including damages and attorneys' fees, if the requirements are not followed.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (on 03/04/2020)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6077/all-info | 03/05/2020 |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr6077/BILLS-116hr6077ih.pdf | 03/11/2020 |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr6077/BILLS-116hr6077ih.pdf.pdf | 03/11/2020 |
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