(a) Every physician who attends, treats or examines any pregnant woman for conditions relating to pregnancy, during the period of gestation or at delivery, shall take or cause to be taken, unless the woman dissents, a sample of blood of such woman at the time of first examination, or within fifteen days thereof, and shall submit the sample to an approved laboratory for an approved serological test for syphilis. All other persons permitted by law to attend pregnant women, but not permitted by law to take blood samples, shall, unless the woman dissents, likewise cause a sample of the blood of every such pregnant woman attended by them to be taken by a physician licensed to practice in this Commonwealth and submit it to an approved laboratory for an approved serological test. In the event of dissent, it shall be the duty of the physician to explain to the pregnant woman the desirability of such a test. The serological test required by this section shall be made, without charge by the department, upon the request of the physician submitting the sample, if he submits a certificate that the patient is unable to pay.

(b) In reporting every birth and fetal death, physicians and others required to make such reports shall state upon the certificate whether or not the blood test required by this section was made. If the test was made, the date of the test shall be given. If the test was not made, it shall be stated whether it was not made because, in the opinion of the physician, the test was not advisable or because the woman dissented.