Bill > H482

This bill mandates that physicians obtain written informed consent from a woman before performing an abortion, unless it's a medical emergency that threatens her life or a major bodily function. Before the abortion is scheduled, the physician or their agent must provide the woman with information, either through a printed pamphlet, a state-sponsored website, or a toll-free number for an audio recording, all maintained by the commissioner of public health. This information must include a notice of her rights, a list of agencies offering assistance during pregnancy and after childbirth, a detailed description of fetal development with visual aids, information on abortion methods and their risks, risks of pregnancy and delivery, and the father's support obligations. The bill also emphasizes the woman's right to view an ultrasound and hear the fetal heartbeat before the abortion, and clarifies that refusing an abortion does not affect public assistance. The provided materials must be objective, non-judgmental, scientifically accurate, understandable to a layperson, and available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, as well as other languages spoken by at least 2% of the state's population. Additionally, the physician must orally inform the woman about the abortion method, associated risks, alternatives, the gestational age and fetal development, and her right to see the ultrasound and hear the heartbeat. The woman will then sign a consent form confirming she received this information and services, and the physician must keep this form for seven years. The commissioner of public health is responsible for creating and updating these informational materials.