HB183 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry Rich

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Sonogram, specific information regarding unborn child, required notice, penalty for violation, Ultrasound Access Act

Summary

HB183 would require abortion providers to give detailed ultrasound information and extensive written and oral consent at least 48 hours before an abortion, with penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It requires abortion providers to privately provide the woman with additional written and oral information, including a current sonogram showing the entire body of the unborn child, at least 48 hours before the abortion. It mandates specific details about the pregnancy, viability, gestational age, development, risks, alternatives, and available financial or medical assistance, plus a conflict of interest disclaimer. It also requires the provider to offer a list of nearby sonogram providers for a second opinion, ensure private delivery of information, obtain signed statements of compliance, and prohibits payment until after all provisions are fulfilled; violations can lead to criminal penalties and civil damages, and the act aligns with existing abortion laws while becoming effective immediately.

Who It Affects

• Pregnant women seeking abortions: must receive extensive private ultrasound information and other consent materials at least 48 hours before the procedure.
• Abortion providers: must deliver the enhanced consent process, administer the sonogram disclosure, keep records, and could face criminal penalties, civil damages, and professional discipline for noncompliance.

Key Provisions

• Section 4(a)(1): At least 48 hours before an abortion, the physician must inform the patient in writing and orally about the physician's name, the abortion method, gestational age, anatomy, and immediate and long-term risks, plus alternatives and financial/medical assistance options, a conflict of interest disclaimer, and any other material information.
• Section 4(a)(2): At least 48 hours prior, the provider must give a current sonogram showing the entire unborn body, describe features and heartbeat, offer a photo if requested, state viability and fetal details, and provide a list of nearby sonogram providers for a second opinion; information must be delivered in writing and, if needed, orally and privately.
• Section 4(a)(2)(a)-(f): Include details on gestational age photographs, development of nerves and pain capability, survival potential, the right to withdraw consent, and any other information a reasonable patient would consider material; patient must be able to ask questions in a private room and receive understandable answers; signs and oath-based compliance are required.
• Section 4(f)-(g) and Section 5: Violations can lead to up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $1,000,000 per violation, or both; aggrieved individuals may sue for damages, punitive damages, treble damages, and attorney fees; violations trigger professional disciplinary action.

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

Subjects

Abortion