Florida Ultrasound Bill 'Overt Attempt' To Restrict Abortion Rights, Editorial Says

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Pregnancy / Obstetrics;  MRI / PET / Ultrasound;  Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 03 Apr 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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The "ideologues are back" in the Florida Legislature with a bill (H.B. 983) that would require a woman seeking an abortion to undergo an ultrasound, except in cases of rape, incest or domestic violence if the woman shows a restraining order, an Orlando Sentinel editorial says. The bill, which is similar to a proposal defeated in last year's legislative session, is "an overt attempt by pro-life forces to make it more difficult for women to get abortions," according to the editorial. Florida law does not require mandatory mammograms, colonoscopies or other exams because "it's none of government's business how citizens choose to get informed when making medical decisions," the editorial says, adding, "Abortion should be no different." The bill would require women to undergo an ultrasound, but they would not have to view the image if they sign a written waiver, according to the editorial. The bill also would require doctors to give information on fetal development. "To suggest women don't know what they're doing and making them take, and pay for, an exam they don't want to begin with, is insulting and overly intrusive," the editorial says. It concludes, "It would be best if the Legislature kept its eye on the ball, and its nose out of citizens' medical business" (Orlando Sentinel, 3/31).

Reprinted with kind permission from http://www.nationalpartnership.org. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.

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