Sen. Tracy still eyeing measure to require women thinking about abortion to undergo ultrasound

Feb 12, 2013 at 07:03 am by bryan


A Tennessee lawmaker’s proposal that would require women to undergo ultrasounds before having an abortion is raising questions and gaining national attention.

Read the bill here

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Some accuse the bill’s main sponsor of only introducing the bill to help an election, but State Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, said he believes all women considering an abortion should experience the same medical process as other future parents experience.
 
Tracy, who is a state senator,  is currently in the running for congress, a seat in his district that is held by Scott DesJarlais (R). 
 
The bill as introduced, requires that an ultrasound be perfomed prior to an abortion, with an exception for medical emergencies.

“This decision she is going to make on whether to have an abortion is a life-altering decision,” Tracy said. “It’s a big decision, and this gives her the opportunity to be informed before she makes this life-altering decision.”

The waiting period aspect of the bill could also bring up constitutional questions because of a 2000 Tennessee Supreme Court ruling that struck down a waiting period for abortions.
 
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