SB272 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

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

Summary

SB272 would require abortion providers to give private, detailed pre-abortion notices including a current sonogram and extensive information about the unborn child, with penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, abortion providers must privately give a current fetal sonogram and a detailed written and oral information package at least 48 hours before an abortion. The information includes the provider’s name, the proposed method, gestational age, risks, alternatives and financial or medical support, a conflict-of-interest disclosure, and other material details; it also requires a description of the fetus, viability, and a list of nearby sonogram providers, plus color photos by four-week steps and information about nerve development and potential survival. The woman must have a private opportunity to ask questions, sign statements of compliance, and providers must sign under oath; payment cannot be accepted until 48 hours after fulfillment. Violations carry criminal penalties and the act allows civil damages.

Who It Affects

• Women seeking abortions, who would receive expanded private information and a 48-hour waiting period prior to the procedure.
• Abortion providers (physicians and facilities), who would have new duties to provide the sonogram, extensive information, and signed confirmations, and who could face criminal and civil penalties for noncompliance.

Key Provisions

• Require private delivery (written and oral) of an expanded information package and a current sonogram at least 48 hours before an abortion.
• Specify in detail the content to be provided: physician identity, procedure description, gestational age, risks, alternatives (including adoption and financial help), medical assistance, conflict-of-interest disclosure, and other material information.
• Require additional sonogram specifics: full sonogram with description, ability to obtain a photo, viability and heartbeat status, list of nearby sonogram providers (within 10 miles, or 50 miles if none), and information on fetal development and survival; information to be provided in writing and, where applicable, orally.
• Mandate private room delivery, questions, sign-off statements of compliance, and oath by providers; prohibit payment until 48 hours after all provisions are fulfilled.
• Create penalties for violations (up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $1,000,000 per violation) and allow aggrieved parties to sue for damages; preserve and coordinate with existing related laws; effective immediately.

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