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SB 165

ULTRASOUND OPPORTUNITY ACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Neil Anderson and 9 co-sponsors

Illinois bill requires pregnant people to be offered and view ultrasound images before abortion procedures, adding a procedural requirement to abortion care access.

Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Neil Anderson
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Bill Summary · SB 165

Legislative bill overview

SB 165, the Ultrasound Opportunity Act, requires that pregnant individuals be offered an ultrasound before receiving an abortion procedure in Illinois. The bill mandates that healthcare providers present ultrasound images and allow time for the patient to view the images before proceeding with the abortion.

Why is this important

This legislation directly impacts abortion access procedures and patient autonomy in Illinois, a state with relatively protective abortion laws. The requirement adds a procedural step that could affect timing, cost, and the abortion decision-making process for pregnant individuals seeking this healthcare service.

Potential points of contention

  • Informed consent vs. delay tactic debate: Supporters frame ultrasounds as providing information; critics argue mandatory viewing requirements function as emotional or decision-delaying tactics rather than standard medical practice
  • Consistency with medical standards: Major medical organizations (ACOG, AMA) do not recommend mandatory ultrasound viewing as standard abortion care, raising questions about whether this reflects medical necessity or political preference
  • Practical implementation concerns: Questions remain about ultrasound availability, who performs them, additional costs to patients, and whether refusal to view images affects abortion eligibility

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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