The House State Affairs Committee is holding a hearing this morning on HB 516, Rep. Ron Nate’s bill to require women seeking abortions to be provided with a state-compiled list of providers who could provide them with free ultrasounds, and told they have a right to a free ultrasound and to hear a fetal heart monitor.

Among those testifying so far was Kerry Uhlenkott, legislative coordinator of Right to Life of Idaho. “We are asking your support of the ultrasound bill,” she told the committee. “Women who are considering having an abortion are much more likely to carry the baby to term after viewing the ultrasound.” She said, “In Idaho there are seven pregnancy care centers that offer free ultrasounds. … About 90 percent of their clients choose life for their babies after viewing the ultrasound.”

Hannah Brass Greer of Planned Parenthood told the committee, “If it were our choice, we wouldn’t be sending our patients away from the health care that we provide to a place where we know that they’re not being given all of their options.”