Nonsurgical Abortions To Resume In Wis. As Lawmakers There Pass Pre-Abortion Ultrasound Bill
In Wisconsin, a judge's ruling is allowing nonsurgical abortions there to resume. In the state Senate, lawmakers passed a bill requiring women get an ultrasound before they get an abortion.
The Associated Press/Washington Post: Wisconsin Clinics To Resume Offering Nonsurgical Abortions After Judge's Ruling
Some Wisconsin clinics will resume offering nonsurgical abortions after a judge halted a state law requiring three doctor visits for women seeking them. Under the law, a woman seeking a nonsurgical abortion must meet with a doctor who ensures she isn't being coerced into having the procedure. The doctor also must be present when a woman takes the pills that induce an abortion. Web-based consultations are prohibited (6/12).
The Associated Press: State Senate Passes Abortion Bill Requiring Ultrasound
Wisconsin Senate Republicans abruptly shut off debate Wednesday before a dramatic vote in which they approved a bill that would require women seeking an abortion to first undergo an ultrasound. Democrats tried in vain to be recognized to speak as the roll call vote proceeded despite their objections. Senate President Mike Ellis, R-Neenah, repeatedly banged his gavel so forcefully he broke the base (Bauer, 6/12).
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: GOP Senators Pass Abortion Measure Requiring Ultrasounds
In a raucous clash on the state Senate floor Wednesday that recalled the bitter divides of 2011, Republicans abruptly cut off debate and forced a vote requiring that women seeking abortions get ultrasounds. The morning's brief floor session included sharp exchanges and one senator contending that abortions "became the thing to do" in the 1960s. Democrats protested the bill's merits and the process by which it was passed, saying Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau and his fellow Republicans were trampling on democracy by ending debate after about 25 minutes (Marley, 6/13).
Meanwhile, in Texas -
The Texas Tribune: Senate Panel To Consider Omnibus Abortion Bill
A panel of state senators will convene on Thursday to respond to Gov. Rick Perry's call to add legislation related to abortion procedures, providers and facilities to the special session. On the Health and Human Services Committee’s afternoon agenda: an omnibus abortion regulation bill by Sen. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy, that blends four bills that failed to reach either chamber during the regular session (Aaronson, 6/13).