Ultrasound abortion in Ky. passes Senate, moves to House

FRANKFORT, KY. (Christian Examiner) -- The Kentucky Senate passed a bill last week requiring an ultrasound be provided to abortion seekers before conducting the procedure as "an act relating to full disclosure in public safety."

According to the Ledger-Enquirer, the Republican-led Senate passed the bill, SB7, with a 31-5 vote Thursday, Feb.5, just hours after being approved by the Kentucky's Senate committee.

Though the bill was widely received in the Senate, similar legislature has failed to succeed in the Democratic-led House because of "duplicitous leadership," Kentucky Right to Life spokesman and the organization's Assistant Director, Michael Janocik told the Christian Examiner.

Janocik, who is also a registered lobbyist for KRL, said failed attempts to pass the bill had resulted from "regrettable house leadership" and was hopeful that new leadership this year would keep the bill from being killed by committee before reaching the House floor for a vote.

"I have no doubt if (the bill) hit the house floor it would pas 85 to 15 and include a majority of the democrats at the very least," Janocik said "That would be the worst case scenario and I could see it getting as high as 92 votes."

Should the bill pass, doctors could be fined up to $100,000 the first time they violate the law and up to $250,000 for violating the regulation more than once.

Opponents of the bill argue in addition to interfering with doctor patient relationships, such requirements are costly. However, Janocik claims the ultrasounds are already being performed as part of the procedure.

"All this bill does is require abortionists to briefly turn the screen around explain to a woman what she is seeing in the ultrasound."

The State Journal reported Republican Sen. Julie Raque Adams of Louisville testified before the Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection in support of the bill telling the legislators the bill intended to ensure women are provided proper medical treatment.

"This is a very common sense bill, widely supported poll after poll," Janocik said. " I wish house leadership would allow their representatives to reflect the wishes of their constituents."

According to Janocik, as of Monday, Feb. 9 the bill had not yet been assigned to a committee and its future would be determined in the next few weeks.