Ultrasounds Are Not|For Fun, Texas Says

FORT WORTH (CN) - Texas claims that a company called Stork Vision gives women ultrasounds "for entertainment" and without doctors' orders. Texas says ultrasounds are "prescription devices" under FDA rules, despite the company's claim that "Stork Vision ultrasounds are for the enjoyment of seeing your baby."

In its complaint in Tarrant County Court, the state says Stork Vision administers ultrasounds, and bills for them, as a way for mothers and families to bond with a fetus. But the FDA has never approved ultrasounds to be used for mother-fetus bonding or any other kind of bonding, Texas says.

Defendant Stork Vision International promotes and sells Stork Vision franchises in the United States, and co-defendant Stork Vision-NRH administers ultrasounds to women in Texas.

Texas seeks refunds for women who got unauthorized ultrasounds, wants the company ordered to stop giving ultrasounds for unapproved purposes, and to stop claiming that women can get ultrasounds without a prescription.

Texas seeks a maximum fine of $25,000 a day for each violation of the Texas Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and $20,000 for each violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

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