Bill > H1541

This bill mandates that before a physician can perform an abortion, they must obtain the pregnant woman's written informed consent, unless it's a medical emergency where delaying the procedure would be life-threatening. This consent process requires that the woman receive specific information at least twenty-four hours before the abortion is scheduled. This information will be provided 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. The provided materials must include details about the patient's rights, a comprehensive list of agencies offering assistance through pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing, a description of the unborn child's development at two-week intervals with visual aids and information on organ and brain function, descriptions of abortion methods and their associated physical, psychological, and emotional risks, as well as the risks of pregnancy and delivery, information on the father's support obligations, and statements affirming the woman's right to view an ultrasound and hear the fetal heartbeat, that refusal of abortion doesn't affect public assistance, that the father is liable for child support even if he offered to pay for the abortion, and that coercing a woman into an abortion is unlawful, with physicians liable for damages if informed consent is not obtained. The content of these materials must be identical, objective, non-judgmental, scientifically accurate, easily understandable, and available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and any other language spoken by at least 2% of the state's population. Additionally, before the scheduled abortion and prior to consent, the referring or performing physician must orally inform the woman about the abortion method, its risks, alternatives, the probable gestational age and fetal characteristics, and her right to see the ultrasound and hear the heartbeat. The physician or their agent must also offer the woman an opportunity to contact abortion alternative agencies and provide her with a copy of the pamphlet if requested. If requested, the physician must arrange for a real-time ultrasound image and fetal heartbeat auscultation. After receiving this information and opportunity, if the woman decides to proceed with the abortion, she will sign a consent form confirming she received the information and services and provides her informed consent, which the physician must keep on file for seven years. The commissioner of public health is responsible for creating, publishing, and annually reviewing these materials.