Forced Ultrasound Bill Headed Towards a Likely Veto
The Uber-misogynist bill that forces women to undergo intrusive Ultrasounds and coerced counseling is headed to a likely veto in North Carolina.
Gov. Bev Perdue is widely expected to veto a bill that would require women to receive an ultrasound and counseling session, as well as wait 24 hours before having an abortion.
The Senate passed the bill on Wednesday with a 29-20 vote, with both Gaston senators Jim Forrester and Kathy Harrington voting in favor. The House voted 71-48 to approve the bill in May.
Perdue’s spokesperson, Chrissy Pearson, called the bill an example of the “Republicans’ more extreme agenda.” She also said of Perdue, “She’ll have to give it very, very serious thought before taking action. The governor supports choice. She’s made that very clear.”
If the bill becomes law, it would mandate women receive a counseling session 24 hours before an abortion. Women would be told about the likely stage of development of their fetus, the medical risks of having an abortion and giving birth, and the availability of abortion alternatives. Thirty-four states currently require such counseling sessions and 25 states have mandatory waiting periods.