Central Florida News 13
April 15, 2008
TALLAHASSEE -- A bill from Winter Garden Sen. Dan Webster (R) requiring abortion patients to view an ultrasound of the fetus passed its final committee hearing in Tallahassee Tuesday, and was set to be heard by the full Senate.

The bill has already passed the House.

"In current law, there is an ultrasound evaluation to be performed prior to an abortion in the second and third trimester," Webster said. "This bill expands that law to include the first trimester."

"If after the sonogram is given, Senator Webster, and a woman declines to view the sonogram, what provisions are made in this bill?" Sen. Frederica Wilson (D-Miami Gardens) asked.

Webster said it would require that the patient sign a form, indicating that she declined the offer.

Nothing in current law prevents a patient from viewing the sonogram, and opponents said the bill was just aimed at adding another obstacle for women.

"That, I believe, is unconstitutional by standards of the 1992 Supreme Court decision in Planned Parenthood vs. Casey, in which the court determined that prior to fetal viability -- which this bill addresses -- a woman has the right to abortion without being unduly burdened by government interference," argued Sen. Nan Rich (D-Sunrise). This bill is about, I believe, blatant government interference."

The bill was approved by a party line 3-2 vote.

Purely by coincidence, no doubt, but interesting, considering the subject matter, this particular committee was made up of three Republicans -- all men -- and two Democats -- both women.