Abortion Ultrasound (H 7303)

Among the measures aimed at restricting reproductive freedom is a bill requiring an ultrasound be conducted on any woman before she could obtain an abortion. While the woman would be able refuse to look at the image, it would have been required to displayed so she could see it, and the doctor would have to provide a medical description of the images. Recent studies demonstrate conclusively that such ultrasound requirements rarely dissuade women from seeking abortions; rather, this legislation served only to shame women seeking abortions. The ACLU urged in testimony that the bill be rejected, and it died in committee.