Today, Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) introduced legislation that would require abortionists to make an ultrasound available to a woman seeking an abortion. Senator Marshall is a medical doctor specializing in obstetrics.
“We thank Senator Marshall for his dedication and commitment to protecting both women and their unborn children,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life (NRL). “As a physician, Senator Marshall understands that mothers need as much information as possible before making the life-or-death decision of abortion for her unborn child. This legislation would give women the vital information they need before making a life-changing decision.”
The “Ultrasound Informed Consent Act” is designed to give women the option of observing an ultrasound of their unborn child before having an abortion. The language of the bill is based on legislation developed by National Right to Life. Currently, 28 states have some requirements providing ultrasounds to pregnant mothers prior to an abortion. Six of these states have passed the revised NRLC model “Right to Know and See” that requires an ultrasound to be performed and displayed for the mother to see. Twenty-two (22) states have passed an earlier NRLC model, “Opportunity to View,” which requires that any ultrasound performed must allow the mother the opportunity to see her baby.
Ultrasound legislation is in effect in 26 of the 28 states with two states (North Carolina and Montana) not in effect due to litigation. For more information, visit: Ultrasound Laws.
“While this reasonable legislation should attract bi-partisan support, nearly every Democrat in Congress rejects even the most common-sense protections for women and their unborn children,” said Tobias. “This is not the dark ages, and in making such a decision, women need to be given information, not kept in the dark.”
On February 28, Senate Democrats, led by Senator Chuck Schumer, failed to invoke cloture on the so-called “Women’s Health Protection Act,” a bill that would have enshrined abortion in federal law and policies and overridden nearly all existing state laws. No Republicans supported the measure, and they were joined in their opposition by only one Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin (W.Va.). This legislation would have made sweeping changes, including expanding taxpayer funding of abortion, and eliminating requirements that a woman be given information about the development of her unborn child so she can make an informed decision.
“Democrats would have us turn back the clock and take us back to a time in medicine when ultrasound technology did not provide a window into the womb,” said Tobias.
“History shows that if women are given the opportunity to review all of the facts about abortion, especially when given a chance to see an ultrasound of their unborn child, they are less likely to have an abortion,” said Jennifer Popik, J.D., legislative director for National Right to Life. “The more women know and understand about their unborn children, the more they choose life.”
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
