HB 1520 -- Informed Consent for Abortions

Sponsor:  Hodges

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.  This
bill adds additional criteria to meet the informed consent
standard by requiring the physician performing the abortion to
inform the pregnant woman of the risks associated with the
abortion procedure, the probable gestational age of the unborn
child, and the medical risks of carrying her child to term.  In
addition to the written informed consent, the bill requires the
physician to discuss the medical assistance and counseling
resources available, advise the mother of the father's liability
for child support, and provide information about the Alternatives
to Abortion Program.  The physician will be required to perform a
fetal ultrasound imaging and auscultation of the fetal heart
tones so the pregnant woman can view the image and hear the heart
beat of her unborn child at least 24 hours prior to performing
the abortion.

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