By Mary Ann Buchanan

Editor's note. Moments before this blog was to be posted, the West Virginia House Judiciary Committee approved S.B. 597, the Ultrasound Option Bill, on a voice vote.

S.B. 597 simply requires that if an ultrasound is done prior to an abortion, the woman or girl be informed of the opportunity to view or decline to view the ultrasound images.

West Virginians for Life President Karen Cross with House Judiciary Chairman Tim Miley.

There are now a couple of stages left before the bill moves to the desk of pro-life Governor Joe Manchin, who has already said he favors the proposal. "It's a great piece of legislation," Manchin said, following remarks he made at the annual West Virginians for Life (WVFL) rally at the state Capitol. "They've been working very hard, and we just hope it passes."

The bill must be read three times in the House. (Hopefully the first reading is tonight.) The House votes after the third reading. West Virginians for Life President Karen Cross anticipates an overwhelming majority of support.

S.B. 597 then goes to the Senate, where it will vote on the changes to the Senate bill made in the House. Cross also expects a large majority in the Senate. The last day of the session is this coming Saturday.

BACKGROUND:

On Monday, the West Virginia House Health and Human Resources Committee voted 16-9 to approve. The State Senate passed the measure last week.

The House Judiciary Committee has been a stumbling block for pro-life legislation for the past five years. However pro-life Tim Miley recently replaced a pro-abortionist as chairman.

Lead sponsors Senator Jeff Kessler and Delegate Peggy Smith have worked hard to help the unborn babies of the Mountain State. WVFL's citizen lobbying group, headed by West Virginians for Life President Karen Cross, has been working feverishly to see to it that this bill makes it through the legislative process.

Critics say the requirement is "insulting to women." Proponents said that viewing the ultrasound images "provides women with one more piece of information when they're making such a crucial life and death decision," according to Delegate Patrick Lane. "They have an opportunity to take a look at the ultra sound and allow that to inform their decision whether or not to go forward with the abortion."

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Part Two
Part Three