Ultrasounds Save Lives Act of 2025

This bill would require an ultrasound before any abortion (except during a medical emergency). The doctor must share the ultrasound results with the patient, and an in-person consent form must be presented and signed at least 24 hours before the procedure. The form must state the pregnancy’s likely age in days, the medical risks of the specific method or drugs, and key facts about fetal development at that stage. The patient, the provider, and a witness must sign it, and the provider must keep it in the medical record. The ultrasound method is chosen by the doctor and patient together. The emergency exception applies if following these steps would risk the woman’s death or cause serious, lasting physical harm. Providers may present this information at the same time they get consent under state law, as long as it is still at least 24 hours in advance .

If a provider doesn’t follow these rules, the U.S. Attorney General can bring a case, and courts may fine the provider $100,000–$150,000 per violation the first time, and $150,001–$250,000 for later violations. Women are not penalized. A woman, or a parent of a minor, may sue the provider for money damages, including triple the cost of the abortion and, in some cases, punitive damages. A winning plaintiff gets attorney’s fees; a provider can get fees only if a court finds the suit was frivolous. States can keep stricter disclosure rules than these federal rules .

Key points

• Who is affected: Abortion providers; women seeking abortions; parents of minors seeking abortions.
• What changes: Ultrasound required; in-person consent form with specific information; 24-hour waiting period; signatures and record-keeping; strong civil fines and the option to sue providers; women themselves face no penalties .
• Exceptions: Medical emergencies that threaten death or serious, irreversible physical harm; states may keep stricter rules .