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Bill Would Require Ultrasound Before Abortion

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Mar 22, 2008 8:20 am US/Eastern

Bill Would Require Ultrasound Before Abortion

TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ― In a move certain to spark controversy, a state legislative committee has approved and sent forward a bill which would prevent women from getting an abortion unless they first have an ultrasound performed and be given an opportunity to view the image of the fetus in their womb.

Florida already requires ultrasounds on any women seeking abortions in the second or third trimester, but the current legislation (HB 257) would require ultrasounds before all abortions, and compel abortion providers to tell the woman she has the option of viewing the sonogram.

Some abortion opponents believe women seeking an abortion might change their mind if they first saw an image of the fetus they were trying to abort. Supporters of the right to abortion believe the measure could be used to intimidate women.

The woman wouldn't have to view the image under the legislation, which passed the House Healthcare Council with a 10-6 vote. It has one more committee stop before the House floor.

A more controversial requirement would have forced women to wait 24 hours before having an abortion, but it was dropped in the face of opposition from moderates in the Legislature.

At least six states, including Florida, require ultrasounds for at least some women seeking abortions, though not all require the woman to view the image.

In 2006, about 95,000 pregnancies were terminated in Florida.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

© MMIX, CBS Television Stations Inc. All Rights Reserved.