Bill ban on non-medical ultrasound

Hartford (WTNH) - They've been dubbed "entertainment ultrasounds." They're not ordered by your doctor, but they provide a detailed look at your unborn child inside the womb. Although they're gaining in popularity among pregnant women, others are fighting to stop them.

This is one of those cases where the law hasn't yet caught up with the technology. With 3D ultrasounds, you can get a very detailed picture of your baby's face and watch them move around. People can now make albums and videos of their children before they're born. The only problem is that sonography is not a licensed profession and the industry is not regulated at all.

News Channel 8 first met Gina Beaudoin back in December doing an ultrasound for a family whose husband was on a Navy submarine. Six months later, her budding business is facing the fight of its life. It's called "A Tiny Perspective" -- they provide 3D and 4D ultrasound pictures and videos; a window into the womb.

"It gives them a very close look and an actual view of what the baby's going to look like and the bonding experience is unlike any other," said Beaudoiun.

But a new bill will ban all non-medical ultrasounds in the state.

"Ultrasounds deliver heat and they deliver vibration. So, when you deliver heat and vibration to a pregnant woman, you deliver risk as well," said Rep. Deb Heinrich of Madison.

Rep. Heinrich introduced the legislation and it is backed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The evidence is inconclusive as to whether it harms a fetus. But, they believe, caution is key and they say, "Non-medical ultrasounds may falsely reassure women as evidence of fetal health and appropriate development. And, abnormalities may be detected in settings that are not prepared to discuss and provide follow-up for concerning findings."

Beaudoin said, in fact, parents who already know their child has abnormalities is part of a growing clientele because it helps them to prepare.

"Them seeing a defect in their baby gave them a level of comfort; know what is coming," said Beaudoin.

Beaudoin said no one's taking into account the benefits. They do this free for military families so that faraway fathers can feel more a part of the pregnancy process. Beaudoin is certified but there's no state or national standard.

"We do keep the health and safety of the mother in the forefront of everything we do," said Beaudoin

Beaudoin said the majority of their clients only do one visit and they only do them after the mom has had their second trimester ultrasound from their doctor.

There are only three businesses that provide this service in Connecticut and they tell News Channel 8 they would prefer the state regulate them instead of ban them. If the governor signs the bill, as of July 1st, you'll need a doctor's note to get it done.