Nebraska is one of eleven states that are considering bills that may require a more informative visit before receiving an abortion. Sixteen states already have abortion-related ultrasound laws. Some of these require that the doctor show the patient the ultrasound, while others are required to inform the patient where she can receive a free ultrasound.
Nebraska Sen. Tony Fulton of Lincoln offers two different views he has on informed consent. First, he suggested that Nebraska doctors be required to show their patient an ultrasound before she would be permitted to receive an abortion (LB675), much like the Oklahoma law that has caused a lot of controversy, however Oklahoma's law also requires the doctor to describe the picture to the patient. Fulton suggested this law despite the impending lawsuit from the Center for Reproductive Rights stating that it violates "privacy, endangers health and assaults dignity." Indiana's abortion ultrasound law similarly requires the patient to listen to the heartbeat rather than viewing the ultrasound.
The second option is much less intrusive and requires the doctor to tell the patient an ultrasound is available--but does not have to be performed(LB676). This bill seemed favorable because it would not bring in the constitutional issues.
South Carolina debated for over a year on the same issue and finally reached a similar compromise.
The main objective is to see a decline in the number of abortions in Nebraska. The goal is to better inform women who feel overwhelmed and vulnerable.
There is one problem still seen by pro-choicers on the subject. When women are given a referral to receive a free ultrasound it would be to a crisis pregnancy center, which aim to discourage women from getting an abortion, when rather they should be aimed at fully informing the woman to make the best decision for her situation.
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