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HB 2619

ULTRASOUND OPPORTUNITY ACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Adam Niemerg

Requires abortion providers to offer an active ultrasound for pregnancies over 8 weeks, with a 72-hour waiting period before anesthesia or medication.

Referred to Rules Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2619

Note on source materials
The packet you provided contains text from two different bills both labeled “HB 2619” (an Arizona bill about assault weapons and an Illinois “Ultrasound Opportunity Act”). This summary focuses on the Ultrasound Opportunity Act (the Ultrasound bill text, Illinois HB2619 as introduced in early February 2025), consistent with the bill title you requested.

HB 2619 — Ultrasound Opportunity Act (summary)

Status: Referred to Rules Committee
Introduced: early February 2025 (bill text dated 2/6/2025 in Illinois)
Primary Sponsors: Adam M. Niemerg; cosponsors listed in packet include Aaron Márquez, Quantá Crews, Anna Abeytia, Mariana Sandoval, Alma Hernandez, Lydia Hernandez, Brian Garcia (note: some sponsor names appear to derive from other materials in the packet)

Purpose / Legislative findings

The bill states that ultrasound examinations serve important medical purposes (confirming gestational age, diagnosing ectopic pregnancies) and that women considering abortion should receive complete, accurate information. Its stated purposes are to protect the health of women, ensure informed consent, and provide information about the status of the pregnancy and fetus before an abortion decision is carried out.

Key provisions

  • Offer requirement: At any facility where abortions are performed, for abortions after 8 weeks’ gestation the physician who will perform the abortion, the referring physician, or another qualified person working with them must offer the woman the opportunity to receive and view an active ultrasound of the pregnancy prior to any part of the abortion being performed or before administration of any anesthesia/medication in preparation for the abortion.
  • Qualified personnel: Ultrasounds must be performed by a “qualified person” — someone with documented training in ultrasound operation and compliant with applicable laws.
  • Image quality and documentation: The active ultrasound image must meet standard medical practice quality. The facility must document the woman’s response to the offer, including date/time and the woman’s signature confirming she accepted or declined.
  • Waiting period: If an ultrasound is performed, a 72-hour period must elapse before any anesthesia or medication is administered in preparation for the abortion.
  • Medical emergency exception: The requirements do not apply if, in the physician’s medical judgment, a medical emergency exists that necessitates immediate abortion to avert death or serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment.
  • Severability: Standard severability clause included.

Who would be affected

  • Women seeking abortions after 8 weeks’ gestation (may face a required offer of ultrasound and a 72-hour delay if they accept).
  • Physicians and abortion-providing facilities (must offer or facilitate ultrasound, ensure qualified personnel, document offers and responses, and comply with waiting-period mechanics).
  • Facilities may need to develop referral lists for local ultrasound providers if not providing on-site services.

Potential impacts and considerations (neutral)

  • Administrative and clinical impact: Facilities may incur staffing, training, scheduling, and recordkeeping burdens to provide/offer ultrasounds and track the 72-hour interval.
  • Access/timing: The 72-hour interval could delay abortion care; timing and logistics may be particularly consequential for patients who must travel or have limited access.
  • Emergency care: The bill explicitly preserves physician discretion in genuine medical emergencies.
  • Legal context: Similar statutes have been subject to litigation in various states; the bill’s constitutionality could be challenged depending on enforcement and state/federal legal standards.

Procedural status & related measures

  • Introduced in early February 2025 and referred to the Rules Committee (per packet). Related/companion bills listed: HB 584 and HB 611 (per packet).

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

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