Abortion ultrasound bill introduced in House

BOISE – A Republican lawmaker from eastern Idaho is backing a bill that would require a woman be told where she can get a free ultrasound before undergoing an abortion.

Rep. Ron Nate of Rexburg says the legislation would require the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to compile a list of providers that offer free ultrasounds for women seeking abortions. The list would be part of the informed consent brochures abortion providers are required to distribute.

The House State Affairs Committee approved introducing the bill on Wednesday, with the panel’s four democratic members voting against.

The bill must now pass a legislative hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.

Currently, 13 other states require some sort of verbal counseling or written materials to include information on accessing ultrasound services.