Lawmakers in the state House have approved a bill that would impose specialized counseling and a 24-hour waiting period on women who seek abortions. The measure would require that they receive state sponsored information about the procedure and alternatives to it. It would also mandate that the same health providers performing the abortion offer the woman an ultrasound beforehand. Republican Representative Ruth Samuelson of Charlotte is a sponsor of the measure.
Ruth Samuelson: "In 90 percent or more of abortions today an ultrasound is already done, so this is not an onerous requirement since they're already done. She is now offered the opportunity to see the ultrasound or not. She's not required to see it but she's offered the opportunity to see it."
North Carolina is one of 16 states that don't currently require specialized counseling before an abortion. Lawmakers voted 71-48 to approve the bill. It now goes to the Senate.