SB365 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Scott Beason

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Abortion, ultrasound required to be performed on pregnant women prior to procedure, civil penalties

Summary

This bill would require an obstetric ultrasound before abortion, require providers to explain and show the results, and create civil penalties and licensing consequences for violations.

What This Bill Does

Before an abortion is performed, the physician or certified technician must perform an obstetric ultrasound, explain the results, display the images for the patient to view, and describe the embryo or fetus size and visible features. The pregnant woman can choose not to look at the images, and the rule does not apply in a medical emergency. If a provider violates these requirements, the bill creates civil penalties, allows injunctions and damages, and may lead to suspension or revocation of the provider's medical license. It also allows civil lawsuits by the pregnant woman or certain relatives or state officials against violators and defines key terms used in the law.

Who It Affects

• Pregnant women seeking abortion: would receive an ultrasound, have the results explained and shown to them, and could sue providers if violated.
• Abortion providers and clinics: must perform the ultrasound and present results, face civil penalties, injunctions, damages, and possible licensing action for violations.

Key Provisions

• Obstetric ultrasound is required before abortion; provider must explain results, display images, and describe embryo/fetus size and visible anatomy.
• The patient may avert her eyes; there is an exception for medical emergencies; no penalties for refusal to view.
• Civil enforcement includes injunctions, damages, and escalating fines (10,000 for first violation, 50,000 for second, 100,000 for third and subsequent); fines are separate for each abortion performed in violation and do not apply to the patient.
• Provider violations can lead to unprofessional conduct findings and possible suspension or revocation of medical license; actions may be brought by the patient, their relatives, the Attorney General, or district attorney.
• The act defines terms like abortion, medical emergency, and unborn child; it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and is severable.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Abortion