Senate Debating Proposed Abortion Measure | News

Following last week’s testimony, Idaho senators are now debating a proposed measure that would require women to take an ultrasound before having an abortion.

The measure would require doctors performing abortions to conduct an ultrasound so the woman could view the fetus and hear its heartbeat. Women could decline the ultrasound, but they’d need to complete a release form.

According to the AP, the measure would also require the Department of Health and Welfare to put together a list of places offering free ultrasounds and providing that to women considering abortions, also requiring an ultrasound during the procedure.

If the physician failed to offer the tests, it could result in a $100 civil penalty.

According to the bill’s Fiscal Note, there would be a $2,600 one-time expense to the General Fund to print revised Informed Consent Brochures.

This is the statement that would be supplied to women by physicians:

I performed an ultrasound test including fetal heartbeat on (insert name of patient) on (insert date and time) at (insert name of facility where ultrasound test was performed). At that time, the gestational age was determined to be (insert #) weeks and the heart rate was (not present or {insert #} beats per minute {mark one}). I informed her of her right to view the ultrasound (which she "accepted" or "refused" {mark one}). I informed her of her right to observe or hear the fetal heartbeat because auscultation was performed (which she "accepted" or "refused" or "no heartbeat was detected" {mark one}). I also offered to provide the patient with a physical picture of the ultrasound image of her unborn child prior to the performance of the abortion (which she "accepted" or "refused" {mark one}). (Print and sign name of person performing ultrasound test and insert date of signature and the time of day the test was performed.)

Online Document: Senate Bill 1349 is available for reading online at the legislature’s website, which also shows the history and votes on the bill.