Politics & Government
Poll: Should The State Require Ultrasounds Before Abortion?
Supporters say the bill is to inform; opponents say it is to shame. Where do you stand?
Women would be legally required to have an ultrasound before having an abortion under a bill pending in the General Assembly, the Providence Journal reports.
Doctors would be required to conduct an ultrasound and explain the images to a pregnant woman — including the dimensions of the fetus and any "external members and internal organs if present and viewable" — before performing an abortion, according to a bill filed by Rep. Karen L. MacBeth, D-Cumberland.
MacBeth said the proposal is intended to ensure women have access to all the information before finalizing their decision. But opponents of bill, including Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, say the law is meant to "shame" women to discourage abortion.
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So what do you think? Should the state require women to have an ultrasound before an abortion?
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