Bill Requiring Ultrasound Before Abortion Moves To House

Photo: Kiki Wells

Opponents of the bill say it would require transvaginal ultrasounds, even though that is not specified in the legislation.

Legislation requiring women to have an ultrasound, some contend a transvaginal ultrasound, before receiving abortion-inducing drugs passed the Senate on Tuesday.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana’s medical director says the required ultrasound will have to be transvaginal to produce the most accurate results. Markle Republican Senator Travis Holdman says he has been told by doctors the ultrasound can be the standard “on the belly” exam. And he says his bill is about bringing some regulation to a drug that has none.

“Informed consent, examination in person and some guidance by the physicians to provide for the health and safety of the mother,” Holdman says.

But Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) says the bill is really about trying to make receiving an abortion more difficult.

“Let’s just be real about,” he says. “That’s what this bill is about. ‘Let’s make it just as difficult as possible, make it as intrusive as possible and then maybe somebody will change their mind.’”

The bill passed 33-16, with four Republicans voting against it. It now moves to the House.