Inglis: Seeing is Informed Consent; Pass the ultrasound bill in SC State House

(March 20, 2007)

U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis today added his support to a bill pending in the South Carolina State House that would require the provision of ultrasounds prior to abortions.

“Widely available ultrasound technology now gives the medical profession the ability to get real ‘informed consent’ prior to an abortion,” Inglis said. “With all the disinformation out there about abortion, let’s give patients the information they need to make an informed decision. Requiring ultrasounds may slow down the process a little, but shouldn’t such an irreversible decision be deliberative? ”

Inglis recalled a conversation with a friend who declared herself, “Not as pro-choice as I used to be.”

“Really? What happened?” Inglis asked.

“Ultrasound,” came the reply. “The pictures show a baby.”

While focusing on future procedures, Inglis expressed concern for those harmed by past abortions. “Lots of us didn’t know what was involved,” Inglis said. “We can’t reverse those decisions, but we can protect future patients from misinformation."

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