"Ultrasounds Save Lives Act of 2025": New Law Mandates Ultrasounds and Waiting Period Before Abortion, With $100,000+ Penalties for Doctors

The "Ultrasounds Save Lives Act of 2025" sets up a new gauntlet of requirements for anyone seeking an abortion and the doctors who provide them. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a federally mandated checklist with some hefty financial penalties attached. And it is effective immediately.

The New Pre-Abortion Protocol

This law lays out a very specific process that must happen before an abortion can be performed. At least 24 hours beforehand, a woman must have an ultrasound, be shown the results, and be presented with a detailed "Informed Consent Authorization" form. This form isn't just a quick signature; it's a multi-part document that must be signed by the woman, the doctor, and a witness (SEC. 2). The form must include:

• The estimated gestational age of the fetus, in days.
• A rundown of all medical risks associated with the abortion procedure.
• A description of the fetus's development, including heartbeat, reaction to pain, and organ development.
• A statement that all requirements have been meet.
• Acknowledgement that the provider is subject to penalties, and the woman can take civil action against the provider, if the requirements are not followed.

Think of it like buying a house, but instead of disclosing lead paint, you're being presented with information designed to make you reconsider the purchase—in this case, an abortion. The doctor has to keep this signed form in the patient's medical file, essentially creating a paper trail for potential legal action.

The Price of Non-Compliance

If a doctor skips any of these steps, they're facing some serious financial consequences. The Attorney General can bring civil action, with fines ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 for a first offense, and escalating to $150,001 to $250,000 for subsequent violations (SEC. 2). Plus, the state medical licensing authority gets notified, which could put a doctor's career in jeopardy. The requirements of this bill do not apply if complying would pose a greater risk of death or substantial and irreversible physical impairment to the pregnant woman. But the bill does not define what constitutes a "medical emergency."

But it's not just the government that can come after doctors. The law creates a "private right of action," meaning the woman, or the parents of a minor, can sue the provider for any violation. This opens the door to lawsuits seeking compensation for "injuries," plus statutory damages three times the cost of the abortion, and even punitive damages. If the patient wins, the doctor pays their legal fees. If the suit is deemed "frivolous," the doctor could be awarded their fees, but that's a big "if."

Reading Between the Lines

While the bill's stated purpose is to ensure "informed consent," the practical effect is to create significant hurdles for both patients and providers. The 24-hour waiting period, the mandatory ultrasound, and the detailed information requirements could delay or even prevent access to abortion services. The financial penalties and the threat of lawsuits could make doctors hesitant to perform abortions at all, potentially leading to clinic closures, especially in areas where access is already limited. The lack of specificity around what a "medical emergency" means could also lead to inconsistent application of the law, leaving doctors in a precarious position.

This law is a major shift in the landscape of reproductive healthcare, and it's one that will have immediate and potentially long-lasting consequences for anyone seeking or providing abortion services. It also fits into a larger pattern of legislation aimed at restricting abortion access, adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue.