Update

Since our last update, there has been no further progress initiating the H.R. 195 Informed Choice Act. The bill is still being processed in the House of Energy and Commerce. Key stakeholders were contacted and we have yet to receive any feedback supporting our bill. Although key stakeholders have not demonstrated support, we still feel very strongly about this bill and have gained increasing support and following from fellow classmates after education. A free clinic was contacted about giving a presentation on ultrasound importance in all healthcare settings, however the staff was reluctant to allow the presentation as the bill has not yet been passed. However they would like to continue to be informed on the bills status.

Responding to Comments and Questions

Natalie: Our bill does not touch upon how awareness will be generated among the target population. The only resource that this bill directly offers is grant money from the government to purchase ultrasound equipment. We felt that it could be part of our job as advocates of this bill to educate the population and legislators and other officials to gain their support in hopes to have access to further resources.


SMC: There are many free clinics that do not have the funding or resources to have ultrasounds offered. Also some places can not afford or contract licensed professionals to run these machines and offer educated advice regarding care for the mother and fetus based off of ultrasound results. This bill would offer grant money to non-profit clinics as an incentive to purchase ultrasound equipment and fund the malpractice insurance needed by the licensed medical professionals who run the machines.