Abortion Ultrasounds: A3694 DiPietro

MEMORANDUM OF SUPPORT

A.3694 DiPietro
Ensures that women seeking an abortion receive an ultrasound and the opportunity to review the ultrasound before giving informed consent to receive an abortion

The above-referenced bill would require abortion providers to perform an obstetric ultrasound on women seeking abortion. The provider would provide simultaneous explanation of what is shown and display the ultrasound images so that the pregnant woman has the opportunity to view them. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this legislation.

In New York, abortion is too often promoted as the best and only choice for women in crisis. Resources are poured into abortion services while true support for moms is overlooked. This legislation would ensure that pregnant women have all the necessary information to make a truly informed choice. The bill does not require women to view the images but merely gives them the opportunity to do so.

Requiring an ultrasound before an abortion would put New York in line with many states that have similar protocols. Abortion is a painful and difficult choice that many women come to regret. We must do more to ensure these decisions are not made lightly and give women all available information before they make them. We urge you to pass this legislation.