Press Release May 23, 2007

Earlier today, Georgia governor Sonny Perdue signed the Full Disclosure Ultrasound Act which provides that a woman seeking an abortion be given the opportunity to see an ultrasound of her unborn child before having the abortion.  The law, which goes into effect on July 1, 2007, makes Georgia the tenth state to enact such legislation.

“This truly represents a trend among the states to provide a woman with all possible information before she makes a decision that will greatly affect her life and take the life of her unborn child,” said Mary Spaulding Balch, J.D., National Right to Life State Legislative Director.  “Abortion is a decision that cannot be undone and women deserve all the facts.”

The full text of the Georgia legislation is available at: www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/fulltext/hb147.htm

There are currently nine other states which make provisions for an abortionist to offer a woman the opportunity to view an ultrasound image of her unborn child.  Mississippi and Idaho both enacted similar laws earlier this legislative session.  The other seven states are Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, Utah and Wisconsin.

Additionally, Louisiana requires that, for abortions at twenty or more weeks gestation, an ultrasound be performed and that the woman be offered the opportunity to view the image.

“Ultrasound is the window to the womb and allows women to see their unborn child,” added Balch.  “We urge other states to join this trend and protect women and their unborn children.

To see more in the ultrasound technology, click HERE to go to National Geographic's "IN THE WOMB."

The National Right to Life Committee is the nation’s largest pro-life group with affiliates in all 50 states and over 3,000 local chapters nationwide.  National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect those threatened by abortion, infanticide, euthanasia and assisted suicide.