BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Legislation that would require abortion providers tell a woman where she can get a free ultrasound is headed to the Idaho House.
The Republican-dominated House State Affairs Committee approved the measure Thursday after a lengthy legislative hearing.
Anti-abortion advocates argue the bill is needed to provide information to women contemplating an abortion. However, critics argue that centers offering free ultrasounds would come from crisis pregnancy centers, which often are run by religiously affiliated groups that discourage women from getting abortions.
If approved - which is likely in Idaho's conservative Statehouse - the state's Department of Health and Welfare would compile a list of providers that offer free ultrasounds for women seeking abortions. The list would be part of the informed consent brochures abortion providers are required to distribute.
