HB 1472 -- Informed Consent for Abortions

Sponsor:  Cunningham (86)

This bill revises the definition of "abortion" to the act of
using or prescribing any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other
substance, device, or any other means with the intent to
terminate a pregnancy and cause the death of an unborn child.

Currently, abortions may only be performed when informed and
written consent is freely given by the pregnant woman, except for
abortions performed in the case of a medical emergency.  The bill
requires that in addition to the written informed consent, the
woman must receive a fetal ultrasound imaging and auscultation of
the fetal heart tones to view the image and hear the heart beat
of her unborn child.  The obstetric ultrasound and auscultation
must be performed by the physician performing the abortion at
least 24 hours prior to the abortion.

The pregnant woman must certify by signature at least 24 hours
prior to an abortion that she either received or opted not to
receive the ultrasound and auscultation of fetal heart tones.
Physicians that fail to comply with these requirements can be
subject to civil malpractice and professional disciplinary
actions.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:10 pm