From The Time-News Magic Valley.com:

Senate Passes Abortion Ultrasound Mandate

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By Melissa Davlin - mdavlin@magicvalley.com | Posted: Monday, March 19, 2012 1:00 pm | (1) Comments

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BOISE • The Idaho Senate passed a bill today that would require women to receive an ultrasound before undergoing an abortion. The bill passed on a 23-12 vote.

Opponents of the bill focused on the issue of government intrusion into a decision normally made between a doctor and a patient, while supporters emphasized the need to give a voice to the unborn by persuading pregnant women to avoid abortions.

A few pro-life Republicans opposed the bill, saying in a year when the state is fighting federal mandates relating to health care, the legislation was hypocritical.

“My problem with this bill is it … forces procedures on you whether you wish them or not,” said Sen. Jim Hammond, R-Coeur d’Alene. “And that’s the kind of stuff that raises health care costs.”

Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, also said Idaho was opening itself up to the risk of lawsuits from people claiming the bill is unconstitutional.

But Sen. Sheryl Nuxoll, R-Cottonwood, said women deserve more information before making the decision to abort.

“Shouldn’t we require information to be provided to women so that they do not fall into the despair and guilt that most often happens after an abortion?” Nuxoll said. 

For more, read Tuesday’s Times-News and visit Magicvalley.com.

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