Montana state senate endorses bill requiring offer of ultrasound to abortion patients

HELENA – On a mostly party-line vote with Republicans in favor, the Montana Senate Monday endorsed a bill requiring abortion providers to give women patients the chance to see an ultrasound of their fetus.

Senate Bill 100, sponsored by Sen. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, won preliminary approval on a 31-19 vote. All 30 Senate Republicans voted for the bill, as did Democratic Sen. Gene Vuckovich of Anaconda.

All “no” votes came from Democrats.

Under SB100, abortion providers in Montana must give women considering an abortion the option of viewing an ultrasound image of the fetus and listening to its heartbeat, if it’s audible.

The providers also must get a signed statement from the woman, acknowledging that she was told of this opportunity – and face a civil penalty of $1,000 if they don’t.

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