A bill requiring women to undergo an ultrasound and hear the sound of their fetus’ heartbeat prior to an abortion earned the approval of the Utah House on Thursday.
The bill’s sponsor, West Jordan Republican Rep. Stephen Christiansen, said the bill is meant to provide would-be mothers with the best medical information possible while they decide whether to terminate a pregnancy. He suggested it is common for women to be told their developing fetus is little more than “a clump of cells,” despite having discernible hands, feet and other human characteristics.
“Even if we disregard the numbers, think logically,” Christiansen said. “When a woman sees live video of the baby that’s within her womb and hears a heartbeat, if it’s possible and medically safe, logic would say that many women are going to choose life.”
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The Salt Lake Tribune's Benjamin Wood contributed to this article.
