Bill > HB1281

This bill, titled Health - Abortion - Ultrasound and Wait Time, mandates a 24-hour waiting period between a pregnant woman receiving a transabdominal ultrasound and undergoing an abortion, with a reduced 2-hour wait if the woman lives at least 100 miles from the facility. The ultrasound must be performed by a trained professional under a qualified provider's supervision, who must attempt to determine the fetus's gestational age, offer the woman the option to view the ultrasound, receive a copy, and hear the fetal heartbeat, and obtain written confirmation that these options were offered. A qualified provider is defined as a physician licensed to practice medicine. This bill does not apply to cases of rape or incest if reported to law enforcement. The bill also specifies requirements for documenting the ultrasound and sets a penalty of up to $2,500 for violations, with the law taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1281?ys=2026RS