AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Resolution: 501
(A-05)
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Introduced by:
Missouri Delegation
Subject:
“Keepsake” Fetal Ultrasonography
Referred to:
Reference Committee E
(Daniel W. van Heeckeren, MD, Chair)
Whereas, The Food and Drug Administration considers non-diagnostic ultrasound to be the
improper use of a prescription medical device; and
Whereas, Public demand for prenatal “keepsake” ultrasonography is strong and rising, as
evidenced by the nationwide influx of commercial fetal ultrasound centers in strip malls and
shopping centers; and
Whereas, American Medical Association policy supports the use of ultrasound within a hospital
or clinic setting operated by a physician and opposes legislation that allows non-physicians to
practice medicine without physician supervision (H-230.960 and H-160.949); and
Whereas, Retail centers that offer non-diagnostic fetal ultrasound are not medically regulated;
and
Whereas, The risk of missed findings and substituted prenatal care may increase in nondiagnostic ultrasound centers; and
Whereas, In the case that findings are reported by unqualified technicians, counseling or
professional medical support may not be available; and
Whereas, Proper use of ultrasound is considered to be a safe procedure, but improper use may
be harmful to the fetus; and
Whereas, Unnecessary fetal exposure to ultrasound is minimized at scheduled prenatal
checkups; and
Whereas, The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and General Electric, a leading manufacturer of ultrasound
devices, are opposed to non-medical use of fetal ultrasound; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That our American Medical Association adopt the current Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) policy on use of non-diagnostic fetal ultrasound, which views “keepsake”
fetal videos as an unapproved use of a medical device (New HOD Policy); and be it further
RESOLVED, That our AMA lobby the federal government to enforce the current FDA position,
which views “keepsake” fetal videos as an unapproved use of a medical device, on non-medical
use of ultrasonic fetal imaging. (Directive to Take Action)
Fiscal Note: Lobby accordingly at estimated staff cost of $1,859.
Received: 4/25/05