See fetus in utero, S.C. bill insists

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Women seeking abortions in South Carolina would be required to view an ultrasound image of their fetus before the procedure under a proposal gaining support from lawmakers. If enacted, it would be the first law of its kind in the nation.

Some states make ultrasound images available to women before an abortion, but South Carolina would be alone in mandating that women see the pictures.

Proponents say women would change their minds after seeing an ultrasound and choose to keep the child or offer it for adoption.

To reduce abortions, women need "as much background as possible when they're making decisions," said Oran Smith, president of the Palmetto Family Council, an affiliate of Focus on the Family.

Critics consider the proposal a tool to intimidate women who already have made an agonizing decision.

"The women of South Carolina would rather talk to their doctor about information they need to make private, personal medical decisions. This is not a place for interference by politicians," said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.

The bill's chief sponsor, Rep. Greg Delleney, considers the bill a natural addition to the state's informed-consent law, which requires that women be told about fetal development and offered alternatives to abortion. The law requires a woman to have at least an hour to think about the information before ending her pregnancy.

Similar legislation has arisen across the nation over the past few years as states try to strengthen abortion-counseling requirements, said Elizabeth Nash, a public policy associate at the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit research center on sexual and reproductive health.

At least seven states have laws about abortions and ultrasounds. For example, women in Oklahoma, Utah and Wisconsin must be told an ultrasound is available.

Ten other states are considering similar legislation.

Delleney's proposal would require patients to certify in writing that they viewed the ultrasound.

Democratic state Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter plans to lead the fight against the legislation when it comes up for debate this month in the GOP-dominated House. But she said she expects the legislation to pass because even lawmakers who don't like the bill will be afraid to vote against it.