HB131 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry Rich

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

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

Summary

HB131 would require abortion providers to give detailed written and oral information plus a current ultrasound to women at least 48 hours before an abortion, with penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires private, written and oral disclosure of detailed information about the abortion, risks, alternatives, and financial help at least 48 hours before the procedure. It also requires a current sonogram of the unborn child to be provided with descriptions of the heartbeat, viability, gestational age, and an option for a free photograph. It lists nearby sonogram providers to allow a second opinion and ensures the information is given in private with time to ask questions; the patient must sign statements confirming compliance. Violations carry penalties including imprisonment up to 10 years, fines up to $1,000,000 per violation, or both, and may lead to professional disciplinary action; the act becomes effective immediately and interacts with existing abortion laws.

Who It Affects

• Women seeking abortions, who would receive more information and face a 48-hour waiting period with access to a current sonogram and related details.
• Abortion providers (clinics and physicians), who must comply with the new disclosure, documentation, and timing requirements and may face penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Requires private, written and oral disclosure of detailed information about the abortion, risks, alternatives, and financial help at least 48 hours before the procedure.
• Requires a current sonogram of the unborn child to be provided with descriptions of heartbeat, viability, gestational age, and an option for a free photograph.
• Requires listing known sonogram providers within 10 miles (or 50 miles if none within 10) to allow a second opinion.
• Requires descriptions of gestational age in four-week increments, nerve development and the fetus's ability to feel pain, and the survival chances at the current development stage.
• Requires a statement that the woman may withdraw her consent at any time without affecting future care or benefits.
• Information must be provided in private with time to ask questions; materials explained if the patient cannot read.
• Requires the patient to sign statements confirming compliance; the provider must sign under oath that provisions were met.
• Prohibits accepting payment for the abortion until 48 hours after the provider has fulfilled all provisions.
• Violations can lead to imprisonment up to 10 years, fines up to $1,000,000 per violation, or both, plus potential civil damages and attorney fees.
• Requires referral to appropriate professional disciplinary authorities if convicted.
• Contains severability and non-preemption provisions; immediate effective date; does not create a right to abortion and aligns with existing abortion laws.

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