For immediate release:                                                                                      For more information:
March 22, 2007                                                                                                   Derrick Jones, 202.626.8825
                                                                                                                         mediarelations@nrlc.org

MISSISSIPPI JOINS NATIONAL ULTRASOUND TREND:
Governor Barbour Signs Law Providing Women More Information

Late this afternoon, Mississippi became the eighth state to enact legislation giving a woman seeking an abortion the opportunity to view the ultrasound and, if available, hear the heartbeat, of her unborn child.  The language was part of a broader abortion-related bill.  This reflects a growing national trend in which states are increasingly providing women with the full range of information possible before they make the life and death decision of abortion.

“We commend Governor Haley Barbour for supporting women and their unborn children by signing this bill into law,” said Mary Spaulding Balch, J.D., National Right to Life State Legislative Director.  “History shows that if women are given the opportunity to review all of the facts about abortion, the development of their unborn child, and available alternatives, they are less likely to have an abortion.”

Seven states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, Utah and Wisconsin) have similar laws that provide women the opportunity to review ultrasound footage before having an abortion.  One state, Idaho, also has an ultrasound bill currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.  And, earlier this week, one house in each of the legislatures in South Carolina and Georgia overwhelmingly passed ultrasound legislation.

“Ultrasound technology provides a woman the opportunity to see her unborn child in real time and see her beating heart,” said Balch.  “It provides an amazing window to the womb.”

The full text of the legislation is available at: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2007/html/SB/2300-2399/SB2391SG.htm

National Right to Life has spokespersons available for interviews on the growing national trend in state ultrasound laws. To arrange an interview, call NRLC Media Relations at (202) 626-8825.

The National Right to Life Committee is the nation’s largest pro-life group with affiliates in all 50 states and over 3,000 local chapters nationwide.  National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect those threatened by abortion, infanticide, euthanasia and assisted suicide.