House defeats ultrasound-before-abortion bill

House defeats ultrasound-before-abortion bill

STEPHEN DOCKERY,Associated Press

HELENA — A proposal to require an ultrasound for those seeking an abortion was defeated in the Montana House.

The House voted 53-47 on Friday against the proposal favored by abortion foes. The aim was to get more women to see the ultrasound image of the fetus in an attempt to change their minds about the abortion.

But opponents, including some Republicans, argued the government had no business mandating an extra procedure. The proposal would have made it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion without a prior ultrasound.

Another abortion bill introduced in committee on Friday would require girls age 16 and under who want an abortion to first notify their parents. A vote will come later on that measure.

HELENA — A proposal to require an ultrasound for those seeking an abortion was defeated in the Montana House.

The House voted 53-47 on Friday against the proposal favored by abortion foes. The aim was to get more women to see the ultrasound image of the fetus in an attempt to change their minds about the abortion.

But opponents, including some Republicans, argued the government had no business mandating an extra procedure. The proposal would have made it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion without a prior ultrasound.

Another abortion bill introduced in committee on Friday would require girls age 16 and under who want an abortion to first notify their parents. A vote will come later on that measure.