Ultrasound Before Abortion Amendment Passes Florida Senate
The sheer volume of pro-life legislation over the last few weeks since Health Care reform became law has been outstanding! It reminds of what Joseph said to his brothers years after they sold him into slavery:
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Gen. 50:20
LifeNews reports:
Florida senators today added an amendment to a health care bill that would allow women considering an abortion to see an ultrasound of their baby. Although abortion centers frequently conduct pre-abortion ultrasounds, they don't necessarily give women a chance to see them.
Sen. Alex Villalobos, a Miami Republican sponsored the amendment the Florida Senate approved on a 22-17 vote.
“I just don't see the problem with having someone have a little more information before they make a decision,” Villalobos said, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
The language does not require women to view the ultrasound and gives them the ability to sign a form opting out of see one. The form also ensures abortion clinics gives women the opportunity to view the ultrasound of their baby.
Sen. Ronda Storms, also a Republican, defended the amendment from abortion advocates who attacked it and said giving women information was anti-woman.
“I join women who say we are not little girls. We are adult women and we are making decisions. We can walk into a clinic and we can make a decision and we are not afraid of information,” she said. “What this amendment does, it says I have a right to know all of the consequences.”
Sen. Chris Smith, on the other hand, attacked the amendment saying it was not "medically necessary" while Sen. Nan Rich called helping women the "ultimate insult to women."
Time Out. I have only one question for Sen. Rich: What?!... Now, let's move on.
Sen. Steve Oelrich, a Republican, responded that abortion is important to have this kind of information because it involves life and death.
“What we're talking about is not an appendectomy, we're not talking about cancer treatment,” he said. “What we're talking about is ending a human life.”
The ultrasound option was added to an unrelated bill on drug-free workplaces by Sen. Andy Gardiner and now it goes to the state House, which will likely support it. Should the legislature approve the measure, Gov. Charlie Crist could veto it or sign it into law.
The Florida Senate previously killed, in 2008, an ultrasound bill on a 20-20 vote margin, but elections have given pro-life advocates more votes.
Bound4LIFE Tallahassee was in the gallery of the Senate as this debate took place. They have been faithful to stand outside the Florida Supreme Court and pray for LIFE as well as be on hand for occasions such as this.
If you live in or around the Tallahassee area you need to connect with this awesome Bound4LIFE chapter.
Website: Bound4lifeTallahassee.com
Email: bound4life@ihoptallahassee.org
About the Author
Ian Kelly is the "arm chair pundit" at Moral Outcry. He has worked full time for Bound4LIFE since 2007. His other responsibilities include local chapter development and new media communications. Besides being a political junkie, he enjoys history, sci-fi, super heroes and grilling.
