Controversial abortion bill heads for governor’s desk

Doctors may be required to ask abortion-seeking patients if they want to view an ultrasound of the fetus.

After a spirited verbal scrap on the issue of abortion as a whole between members on both sides of the aisle, the House voted 79-48 Thursday to pass HF3194/SF2849*.

Sponsored Rep. Abigail Whelan (R-Ramsey) and Sen. Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake), the bill next goes to Gov. Mark Dayton. It was passed 37-30 the Senate May 1.

Whelan said the bill would empower women to make a more informed decision about whether to have an abortion, but would not require an ultrasound be performed before an abortion. It is not intended to change the minds of women who seek an abortion, she said on the floor — merely to help undecided women make up their minds.

WATCH House Floor debate on the bill 

“As a woman and as a legislator, I think more information is better,” she said.

Whelan said some women regret their abortions, and the bill would help prevent that regret. Whelan said a woman who felt her provider did not comply with the law could bring a civil action against them. However, no civil action had been brought against doctors since the implementation of other Women’s Right to Know provisions in Minnesota, she said.

An amendment from Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL-Eagan) to clarify physicians would not be required to give out information they deem inaccurate or inappropriate was voted down.

Halverson said it was “incredibly important” that the state not get between doctors and their patients.

Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL-Spring Lake Park) said if the Legislature’s goal is to prevent abortions, they should promote access to affordable birth control.

Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) said her duty as a nurse is to establish an informed, trusting relationship with her patients. When non-medical persons insert themselves in that relationship, she said it turns “coercive.”