March 30, 2012

HB 4085, the Illinois Ultrasound Bill

     Illinois Representative Joe Lyons
     Representative Joe Lyons

Yesterday Rep. Joe Lyons with the support of pro-life legislators defeated all of the hostile amendments in the Ultrasound Bill (HB 4085) which is on the floor of the IL House.

Five of the pro-life legislators were not present so an extension of time was requested so that the bill can be called later. We are hoping that his request will be granted today since today is the deadline for getting this bill out of the IL House.


About HB 4085

This bill creates the Ultrasound Opportunity Act.

This bill provides that at any facility where abortions are performed the physician who is to perform the abortion, the referring physician, or another qualified person working in conjunction with either physician will offer any woman seeking an abortion after 7 weeks of gestation an opportunity to receive and view an active ultrasound of her unborn child by someone qualified to perform ultrasounds at the facility, or at a facility listed in a listing of local ultrasound providers provided by the facility, prior to the woman having any part of an abortion performed or induced, and prior to the administration of any anesthesia or medication in preparation for the abortion.

House Sponsors are Representatives Joseph M. Lyons, Patricia R. Bellock, Brandon W. Phelps, Jil Tracy, Dwight Kay, Jerry F. Costello, II, Richard Morthland, Paul Evans, William Cunningham, Roger L. Eddy, Randy Ramey, Jr., Joe Sosnowski, Thomas Morrison, Michael P. McAuliffe, Jim Sacia, Daniel V. Beiser, John E. Bradley, John D. Cavaletto, Norine Hammond, Chris Nybo, JoAnn D. Osmond, David Harris, Dave Winters, Darlene J. Senger, Michael G. Connelly, Mike Bost and David Reis.

Source: Illinois Federation for Right to Life