Mich. House Approves Bills For Abortion Screening
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - The Republican-led Michigan House has approved bills that would require a doctor or an assistant to do some screening before an abortion to make sure a pregnant woman isn't being forced or coerced to end the pregnancy against her will.
The main bill in the package passed Tuesday by a 72-37 vote. The measures advance to the Republican-led Senate.
Supporters say the bills are aimed at protecting a pregnant woman against threats and domestic violence if she's being pressured to have an abortion against her will.
The ACLU of Michigan calls the legislation a "disingenuous package of bills that claim to protect women in abusive relationships, but are actually a shameful attempt to take away their right to make decisions."
Separate bills in the package are aimed at requiring that a woman seeking an abortion is told she has an option to view an active ultrasound image and hear the fetus' heartbeat before having the procedure. Opponents call that a particularly intrusive proposal and an example of government trying to get involved in personal decisions.
Another bill in the package would generally prohibit doctors from performing abortions after a woman's twentieth week of pregnancy.
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