SB308 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Bryan TaylorClay ScofieldPhillip W. WilliamsBill HoltzclawPaul BussmanDick BrewbakerShadrack McGillGreg J. ReedHarri Anne SmithScott BeasonTrip PittmanTom Whatley

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Abortion, physician required to perform ultrasound prior to performing abortion, medical emergency excepted, civil and criminal penalties, Right to Know and See Act

Summary

SB308 would require doctors to perform and show an ultrasound before an abortion, with an emergency exception and penalties, plus protections for the woman's anonymity in court.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires an obstetric ultrasound before abortion, with a verbal explanation and the ultrasound images displayed to the pregnant woman, and a medical description of the images. It creates an emergency exception where the requirements do not apply if delaying the abortion would risk the woman's life or health. Violations carry criminal penalties (Class C felony) and civil remedies, while the female patient is not penalized; it also establishes anonymity protections in court proceedings for women who have had abortions. The bill defines key terms and outlines who must perform the ultrasound (physician or qualified technician) and when the provisions apply.

Who It Affects

• Pregnant women seeking abortion would receive an ultrasound, a verbal explanation, and visible images, with the option to avert their eyes, plus potential anonymity protections in court proceedings.
• Abortion providers and facilities would have to perform the ultrasound and display and describe the images, follow emergency exemptions, face criminal penalties for violations, and be subject to civil lawsuits and confidentiality requirements.

Key Provisions

• Must perform an obstetric ultrasound before abortion and provide a simultaneous verbal explanation and a medical description of the images, with the ultrasound images displayed for the patient to view.
• An emergency medical condition exempts the provider from these ultrasound and disclosure requirements; medical emergencies must be certified by the provider.
• Violations are criminal offenses (Class C felony) with no penalty imposed on the woman; civil remedies are available to the person harmed, including possible attorney's fees.
• Court procedures include anonymizing the woman's identity in civil or criminal actions unless consent is given, with orders to seal records and restrict public disclosure as needed.

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