SALT LAKE CITY — A bill in the Utah House that would require abortion providers to perform ultrasounds has passed a House committee.
House Bill 364 would require abortion providers to perform ultrasounds on women seeking abortions 72 hours before the procedure. It passed the committee by a vote of six to five Tuesday.
The bill is something several people at the meeting agree with.
“I urge you to give women knowledge, give women power and give women the full picture to see and understand a situation through an ultrasound,” said Kaitlyn Powell.
Others oppose it.
“This bill is adding a burden to people making a difficult decision, and we oppose the bill,” said Annabel Sheinberg with Planned Parenthood of Utah.
The bill also requires abortion doctors to give women the opportunity to see an ultrasound image and listen to the fetal heartbeat.
It would also establish penalties for non-compliant doctors.
Another bill discussing abortion is HB 65. It would remove the requirement for a healthcare provider who’s performing an abortion to confirm that a police report was filed in a case dealing with rape or incest. However, a decision wasn't made on the bill and is instead is being held for more discussion.
