Crist vetoes anti-abortion measure

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Charlie Crist has vetoed a bill that would have required women seeking an abortion during the first trimester to undergo an ultrasound exam and pay for it.

Crist said Friday it put an inappropriate burden on women seeking an abortion.

The Republican-led Legislature tacked amendments onto a noncontroversial health care bill (HB 1143) that also would have required women to view the live image or have it described by a doctor. The only exception would be if they could prove they were victims of rape, incest or domestic violence.

Ultrasound exams can cost between a few hundred dollars and $1,500 and the women would have also been required to pay for the procedure.

Democrats and many female Republican senators had asked Crist to veto the bill.