SB12 Alabama 2012 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2012

Title

Use taxes, remote use taxes collected, proceeds redistributed to State General Fund, and various entities, Secs. 40-23-60, 40-23-85, 40-23-174 am'd.; Sec. 40-23-150 repealed

Summary

This bill would require a physician to perform an ultrasound and show and explain the images to a pregnant woman before an abortion, with penalties for violations and anonymity protections in court.

What This Bill Does

Abortion providers would be required to conduct an obstetric ultrasound, verbally explain the ultrasound, display the images to the pregnant woman, and provide a medical description before consent and anesthesia. The requirement does not apply in medical emergencies. Violations could lead to criminal penalties for the provider and allow civil damages to be sought by the woman, her partner or the unborn child’s relatives; courts would also protect the woman’s anonymity in related proceedings.

Who It Affects

• Abortion providers and facilities, who must perform the ultrasound, explain and display the images, and may face criminal and civil penalties for noncompliance.
• Pregnant women seeking abortions, who would receive ultrasound information and have protections for anonymity in court, with an option not to view the images.

Key Provisions

• Section 2 defines key terms: abortion, unborn child, qualified technician, woman, etc.
• Section 3 requires an obstetric ultrasound, simultaneous verbal explanation, display of images, and a medical description before informed consent and anesthesia; the patient may look away.
• Section 4 provides a medical emergency exception and requires certification of emergency conditions; falsifying certification is penalized.
• Section 5 creates a Class C felony for knowingly or recklessly performing or attempting an abortion in violation of the act; the female is not penalized.
• Section 6 allows civil actions for actual and punitive damages by the father, grandparents, or the pregnant woman against the provider for noncompliance; attorney’s fees may be awarded.
• Section 7 requires anonymity protections in civil or criminal proceedings; records can be sealed and participants may be restricted from disclosing identity; use of pseudonyms if consent is not given.
• Section 9 notes the bill is exempt from local-funds approval requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines or amends a crime.
• Section 10 specifies the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

General Fund