Connecticut First State to Prohibit Entertainment Sonograms

SVU has learned that Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell signed Connecticut HB 5635, the first state law to prohibit “entertainment sonograms.” The new law, which will take effect on July 1, 2009, states that obstetrical ultrasound procedures may only be performed in Connecticut if the procedure was (1) ordered by a licensed health care provider (acting within the scope of such provider’s authority), and (2) for a medical or diagnostic purpose.

The new Connecticut law is consistent with the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) position that exposing the fetus to ultrasound with no anticipation of medical benefit is not justified. The FDA also states that “Persons who promote, sell or lease ultrasound equipment for making “keepsake” fetal videos should know that the FDA views this as an unapproved use of a medical device.