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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20170&cosponId=24808
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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: November 8, 2017 03:26 PM
From: Representative Aaron D. Kaufer
To: All House members
Subject: Keepsake Imaging
 
In the near future, I will be introducing legislation regulating fetal keepsake ultrasound imaging, otherwise known as keepsake imaging.

Ultrasound imaging is the most widely used medical imaging method during pregnancy. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although there is a lack of evidence of any harm due to ultrasound imaging, prudent use of the devices by training health care providers is vital and ultrasound scans should be done only when there is a medical need based on a prescription.

The use of ultrasound solely for non-medical purposes such as obtaining keepsake images and videos has been widely discouraged. The FDA cautions mothers against having ultrasounds for keepsake images, stressing that the long-term effects of repeated ultrasound exposure is not entirely known. Further, the American College of Radiology supports the FDA’s position and opposes the use of fetal ultrasound solely for keepsake images.

Over the last several months, I have been contacted by numerous individuals alerting me of businesses offering non-medical ultrasound imaging in our Commonwealth. Therefore, in an effort to address this ongoing business practice, I am introducing legislation that will set parameters for ultrasound procedures. Under my legislation, an ultrasound may only be performed if the ultrasound is ordered by a health care practitioner and it serves a medical or diagnostic purpose.

Please join me, in addition to many respected organizations, to discourage the non-medical use of ultrasound for keepsake imaging. Thank you for your consideration.






Introduced as HB1949