Actions Taken On Abortion-Related Legislation In New Hampshire, South Dakota

Main Category: Abortion
Article Date: 30 Jan 2008 - 8:00 PDT

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The following highlights recent news of state actions on abortion-related legislation.

• New Hampshire: Sen. Kathleen Sgambati (D) recently introduced a bill (SB 527) that would require pregnant minors under 17 to receive options counseling from a medical provider or other counselor before having an abortion, Nashua Telegraph reports. Under the bill, the information provided must be objective and the minor must sign a form stating she understands that she can withdraw her decision to have the procedure or reconsider her decision to carry the pregnancy to term. Girls would be exempt from the mandate if a provider determines the pregnancy is a "medical emergency" that requires an immediate abortion. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England reportedly has said it will support the bill as a way to encourage parental involvement, the Telegraph reports. Sources said state chapters of NARAL Pro-Choice America and the National Organization for Women have not endorsed the measure, according to the Telegraph. Gov. John Lynch (D) has not commented on the measure (Landrigan, Nashua Telegraph, 1/27).
  
  
• South Dakota: A House committee on Friday voted 9-3 to approve a bill (HB 1193) that would require physicians to offer sonograms to women seeking abortions in the state, the AP/Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan reports. Supporters of the bill said it would ensure that women have more information when making decisions about abortion, adding that it would not force women to view the sonograms. If a woman declines to view the sonogram, she would have to sign a statement acknowledging her refusal. Opponents of the measure said women seeking abortions should not be put through additional stress. They added that the bill would also intrude on the doctor-patient relationship. The Senate on Friday agreed to consider a similar bill (SB 88) that was recently rejected by a Senate committee (Kafka, AP/Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, 1/26).

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