The Ultrasound Informed Consent Act (S. 2075) was introduced by Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) on September 20, 2007.  It would require that a doctor (1) perform an ultrasound, (2) share the results with the woman and allow her to (3) view the images before performing an abortion.

Requirements are placed on the doctor, NOT on the woman:  The requirements are put entirely on the doctor and not the woman seeking the abortion.  The bill seeks to ensure that abortion providers allow women to understand fully the nature of the young life within them.  No woman could be prosecuted, as the requirements are placed solely on the abortion provider.

Purpose of Ultrasound Informed Consent Act: 

This bill will (1) inform women, (2) reduce abortion, and (3) cause a deeper reflection on the humanity of the unborn child.  It makes use of current technology to ensure that women are fully informed about the life of the unborn child.  While it does not ban a single abortion, many supporters of the bill are hopeful that after viewing an ultrasound many women will decide against going forward with an abortion.

Why does the pro-abortion lobby oppose this bill?

The opposing side fears that if a mother seeking an abortion is encouraged to see an ultrasound picture of her baby then she would realize that unborn child is something much more than a “lump of tissue” and the status of the unborn child would change.

Constitutionality: 

This bill is constitutional and would withstand scrutiny by the courts.  It does not ban a single abortion.  It only ensures that women have the information they need to make a truly informed decision.

Cosponsors:

Senators David Vitter (R-Louisiana), James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), Norm Coleman (R-Minnesota), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama), Mel Martinez (R-Florida), Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma) and Bob Corker (R-Tennessee) are currently cosponsors.