Lawmakers kill ultrasound bill for remainder of 2012 session
The Spokesman-Review reports that Rep. Loertscher has confirmed that SB 1387 is officially dead.
It follows heated debate in the Senate, where the bill passed 23-12.
There were also protests by opponents and supporters on the Capitol steps on Monday afternoon and evening. The bill has been a major point of contention this legislative season, as the bill would require an ultrasound for anyone before undergoing an abortion.
In the end, however, House Republicans simply decided against taking up such a divisive issue that some worried represented an intrusive government. Loertscher says that the issue may be brought up in the next session, with some changes. The advocates of the bill will not schedule another hearing this year.
Hannah Brass, a spokeswoman with Boise Planned Parenthood calls this decision a victory for women across Idaho.
"Many Idahoans just couldn't believe the legislature would think they knew better then women and doctors and families about medical care that women get," Brass exclaimed. "That they would make that decision for a woman and her family and not allow a woman and her doctor to come to that decision together."
Jason Herring, the president of the Right to Life of Idaho, vows the pro-life group will be back next session to advance its cause. "Our bill did not rob women of their freedom of choice," Herring said. "It simply makes the child visible so they are confronted with the reality and humanity of life in the womb. so thery can make an informed decision."
Right to Life of Idaho plans to lobby for the ultrasound legislation next January. The organization is confident it has the support for the bill statewide.
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