Ultrasound Option Bill Supporters Claim Victory
By Mary Anne Buchanan

West Virginians for Life, the state affiliate to National Right to Life, is pleased to announce that the Ultrasound Option Bill, S.B. 597, has completed legislative action and is on its way to Governor Joe Manchin who says he will sign the bill. The Ultrasound Option Bill passed overwhelmingly in both Houses.

WVFL Legislative Liaison Vicky Covert, pro-life Governor Joe Manchin, WVFL Communications Director Mary Anne Buchanan and WVFL President Karen Cross excited about the upcoming Ultrasound Bill signing.

The bill amends West Virginia’s Women’s Right to Know Law which provides women and girls, 24 hours prior to their abortion, scientifically accurate information about fetal development, abortion alternatives, risks from abortion and childbirth and a list of agencies in the state that would help her carry her child to term. The amendment adds information to those materials informing her that if an ultrasound is done in conjunction with her abortion, she may view or decline to view the ultrasound. Prior to the abortion, the woman would sign a form acknowledging the offer to view the image.

Since current abortion procedures are impersonal and the physician/patient relationship non-existent, the state is justified in taking such measures to protect the rights of the patient. Currently, if a woman or girl doesn’t know enough to ask or is afraid to ask, she will not be offered any information, and may be refused.

Often women come to regret their abortion decision because they later learn information withheld from them at the time of their abortion.

Majority Leader Brent Boggs, Speaker Rick Thompson, Delegate Peggy Donaldson Smith, lead sponsor of the House bill, and WVFL President Karen Cross discussing the Ultrasound legislation.

“Ultrasound offers the mother an unbiased window to the womb,” affirmed Mary Balch, J.D., National Right to Life director of state legislation. “It is reasonable, accurate information which a woman should have prior to this life and death decision. Anyone who is truly pro-choice should support this legislation.”

“Information empowers women to make informed choices,” said Karen Cross, West Virginians for Life president.

“Ultrasound legislation protects the mother’s right to see her unborn child in real-time ultrasound. Because the decision to have an abortion is such a major one, legislators recognized that the state should guarantee the mother access to information relevant to her decision.”

Senate Health Chair Roman Prezioso, Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin and lead sponsor of the Senate bill, Judiciary Chair Jeff Kessler

“I am so proud of our pro-life legislators in West Virginia,” Cross added. “Because of their dedication and persistence, women and girls may be spared a lifetime of regret.”

Legislative Liaison Vicky Covert said, “In addition to our lead sponsors, Sen. Jeff Kessler and Del. Peggy Smith, special thanks to Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, Speaker Richard Thompson, Majority Leader Brent Boggs, Senate Health Chair Roman Prezioso, House Judiciary Chair Tim Miley, House Health Chairman Don Perdue, and Speaker Pro Tem Ron Fragale.

“Kudos also to House Minority Leader Tim Armstead, Health Minority Chair Larry Border, Judiciary Vice Chair Patrick Lane and to co-sponsors: Senators Donna Boley and Mike Green, Delegates Dave Perry, John Frazier, Ruth Rowan, Linda Sumner, Dave Pethtel, Margaret Staggers, John Ellem, Tim Ennis, Mike Ross and Dan Poling, and all of the hard-working pro-life senators and delegates who helped this bill become law.”

West Virginia has become the 20th state to pass similar ultrasound legislation.