South Carolina House OKs bill mandating ultrasounds before abortions

Published: 2007-03-26

COLUMBIA, S.C. (CNS) -- Members of the South Carolina House of Representatives have approved legislation that would make their state the first in the nation to require women to see the ultrasound images of their child before an abortion. The vote was 91-23 March 21 after the House rejected two proposed amendments that would have made exceptions in cases of rape or incest. After a mandatory third reading March 22, the measure was sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Medical Affairs. South Carolina law already requires that ultrasounds be performed at abortion clinics in the state, in order to determine the gestational age of the child. Doctors then must tell women the likely age, give them information about fetal development and alternatives to abortion, and wait at least an hour before performing the abortion, which must take place in the first trimester. Under the proposed legislation, women will have to sign a form saying they have seen the ultrasound image.

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