West Virginians for Life, the state affiliate to National Right to Life, is hopeful that an Ultrasound Option Bill will pass this legislative session which is scheduled to end on March 13. The bill, S.B. 597/H.B. 4517, would require abortionists to offer the woman the opportunity to see her unborn child via ultrasound. This bill would serve as an amendment to the West Virginia Women's Right to Know Law of 2003.

The burden would be placed on the abortionist to afford the woman the chance to see her unborn child via ultrasound one hour before an abortion is performed. 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.

"Information empowers women to make informed choices," stated 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, it is only right and proper that the state guarantee the mother access to information relevant to her decision."

"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."

It will go before the Senate body for a passage vote on Tuesday and next be sent to the House Health and Human Services committee. Lead sponsors in the Senate and House respectively are Senator Jeff Kessler and Delegate Peggy Smith.

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

Part One
Part Two