In a late development that provoked resistance from Democrats and all female senators but one, the Senate amended a health care bill to require that pregnant women in their first trimester submit to an ultrasound when seeking an abortion.
The amendment, filed by Orlando Republican Sen. Andy Gardiner, requires that first-trimester patients be shown images from the ultrasound unless the woman has shown evidence of rape, domestic abuse or incest. She can also sign away the viewing requirement with a waiver saying that she was not coerced into the choice by a third party.
Its actually to me the ultimate insult to women, said incoming minority leader Nan Rich, D-Weston. It says that women cant make up their own minds.
Senators passed the amendment 22-17. They did not hold a final vote on the bill, HB 1143, itself but further amended it to forbid payment for abortions with state or federal funds.
The ultrasound amendment, fiercely championed by its lone female supporter, Valrico Republican Ronda Storms, says that women are required to submit a police report, restraining order, or medical record to prove theyve been raped and waive the right to view live images from the ultrasound.
Women need to be able to see the ultrasound to understand the full consequences of their decision to abort, Storms said, adding that the amendment does not take away a womens choice.
I get to decide if I want an abortion after I look at those little toes. That little nose. That little bottom. That little baby," she said.
Women in both the Democratic and Republican parties took umbrage at the amendment.
Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Daytona Beach, said it violated the privacy of women who have undergone some of the worst fates life deals.
Lynn said she has dealt with enough victims of rape or abuse to know that they dont want the subject brought up again at an already troubling moment in their lives.
It is not a made-up story, she said. It is real.
Sens. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, Rich, and Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, tried to defeat the amendment with a flurry of changes, only to see every one voted down by the amendments supporters. Gelber said the amendment was an offense to women.
Shame on this chamber for voting on this amendment,he said
In a rare offering of opinion on a piece of legislation on the floor, departing Miami Republican Alex Villalobos said he felt criticisms against the bill held no merit. The amendment allows two ways for women to opt out of viewing the ultrasound, he said.
I just dont see the problem with giving someone a little more information making a decision, he said.
