HB 2 CoC Republicans Reject Amendment to Remove Unnecessary Ultrasound Requirement from Abortion Ban
Contact Name: Marina Altschiller
Phone: (603) 271-3207
CONCORD – Today, during the committee of conference on HB 2, House and Senate Republicans refused to discuss an amendment offered by Deputy Senate Democratic Leader Cindy Rosenwald (D-Nashua) that would have removed unnecessary language contained in the budget that requires women to undergo an ultrasound prior to an abortion. House Republicans argued in favor of the ultrasound requirement, with one conferee stating that ultrasounds are necessary to facilitate an emotional connection between a woman and her fetus, and that seeing the fetus on an ultrasound is critical for a woman to make an informed decision about getting an abortion.
After Republicans refused to consider the amendment, Deputy Senate Democratic Leader Cindy Rosenwald (D-Nashua) issued the following statement:
“This language is entirely unnecessary and forces women to undergo an ultrasound prior to being allowed to get an abortion. This arbitrary requirement defies medical standards and will drive up the costs of private health insurance. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has stated that routine ultrasounds are not medically necessary as a component of first-trimester abortions. The only effect of this language is to shame women and create yet another unnecessary barrier to women’s health care. It will disproportionately impact low-income women who already face burdens, requiring them to travel and pay additional costs for these procedures. Medical providers need the flexibility to use their expertise and judgment when providing care for their patients. We should be relying on the discretion of licensed medical professionals rather than dictating health care based the unqualified opinions of legislators.”
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