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Abortion bill takes center stage in 2009

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ROCK HILL, S.C. -- A new bill proposed by South Carolina lawmakers is aimed at expanding a law that's already on the books.

The current law, known to many as the "ultrasound law," was passed last year. Rep. Gary Simrill, a York County Republican, is sponsoring the bill.

"We believe she is carrying a child and the ultrasound proves that,” Simrill said.

South Carolina already has a law that requires abortion providers to give women seeking abortions the option of viewing an ultrasound before the procedure. The law also mandates that women must wait one hour after hearing all the information about abortions before having one. "This bill changes that from one hour to a 24-hour waiting period," said Simrill.

The bill would also require health care providers to give women a list of clinics that give free ultrasounds and require doctors to tell women more about how the ultrasound determines gestational age.

Simrill hopes that conversation will inspire more women to view the ultrasound.

"Hi-def has come to ultrasounds as well. I tell folks if there's ever any doubt of what's in a womb, certainly looking at an ultrasound will clear that up," said Simrill.

But state Rep. Herb Kirsh says Simrill's proposed changes aren't needed.

"The woman's having the baby, not him," Kirsh said. "I'm satisfied with the one we've got. It does the job."

Simrill also points out, "It does nothing to change Roe v. Wade. It just adds more facts."

If this bill passes the General Assembly, Gov. Mark Sanford says he will likely sign it. When the ultrasound issue was laid out the first time, Sanford was in favor of requiring pregnant women seeking abortions to look at the ultrasound.