Prometheus 6

S.C. will consider new abortion bill

Might require patient to view an ultrasound
By Seanna Adcox, Associated Press  |  March 17, 2007

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Women seeking abortions in South Carolina would be required to view an ultrasound image of their fetus before the procedure under a proposal gaining support from lawmakers. If enacted, it would be the first law of its kind in the nation.

Some states make ultrasound images available to women before an abortion, but South Carolina would be alone in mandating that women see the pictures.

Proponents say women would change their minds after seeing an ultrasound and choose to keep the child or adoption.

To reduce abortions, women need "as much background as possible when they're making decisions," said Oran Smith, president of the Palmetto Family Council, the state affiliate of Focus on the Family.

Critics consider the proposal a tool to intimidate women who already have made an agonizing decision.

"The women of South Carolina would rather talk to their doctor about information they need to make private, personal medical decisions. This is not a place for interference by politicians," said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.

The bill's chief sponsor, Representative Greg Delleney, considers the bill a natural addition to the state's informed-consent law, which requires that women be told about fetal development and offered alternatives to abortion. The law requires a woman to have at least an hour to think about the information.