The most contested of these laws is South Dakota’s, which was tested Wednesday in federal court.
The law sets out a long list of warnings that abortion doctors must read to each patient, pausing to make sure she understands and signs each page of the form. The woman must be told that having an abortion could make her suicidal; subject her to “psychological distress”; and put her at risk for infection, infertility and even death.
The State Of . . . the Pro-choice/Pro life battle continues. Just in time for a presidential election year, many states have proposed bills that are a reflection of a nationwide push by Pro-Life advocates to expand informed consent laws. Some are attacking the proposals on constitutional grounds on the basis that a person cannot be forced to take an ultrasound or any other unwanted medical procedure. The proponents say the woman should be given as much information as possible before going through with an abortion.
