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Ky. Senate OKs pre-abortion ultrasound mandate

Posted at 8:59 PM, Feb 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-29 20:59:07-05

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky Senate has passed a bill that would require doctors to perform ultrasounds prior to abortions and to describe what's seen to the pregnant woman.

It's part of a series of measures being pushed by abortion opponents in Kentucky.

Under the bill, the pregnant woman could avert her eyes from the ultrasound images, without risk of penalty. The doctor would be required to provide a medical description of the images, including the dimensions of the embryo or fetus and the presence of internal organs.

The bill passed the Senate on a 32-4 vote Monday. It heads to the House, where abortion-related bills stalled in past years but abortion foes have won a battle this year.

Gov. Matt Bevin has already signed a bill updating the state's informed consent law.