Pennsylvania Postpones Debate on Abortion Ultrasound Bill

The Wall Street Journal ^ | 03/13/12 | Sam Favate

[AtlasStalled]

It seems like we just got finished talking about Virginia’s ultrasound bill – which was signed into law after the governor insisted it be changed to exclude the kind of invasive procedures that ended up being lampooned on SNL — and now lawmakers are tapping the brakes on a similar matter under consideration in Pennsylvania.

* * *

The Pennsylvania House postponed a scheduled March 12 vote on the bill. House Majority leader Mike Turzai, a Republican, said the debate was cancelled due to “concerns raised by the medical community, among others,” Philly.com reported.

[Buckeye McFrog]

This is a very pro-life state in general, but big medical outfits like UPMC spread a whole lot of money around Harrisburg, and have undue influence.

[AtlasStalled]

Under general negligence or medical malpractice law can a doctor be held liable to a woman for a wrongful abortion if she does not first receive an ultrasound?

[Buckeye McFrog]

Great question. My grandfather would have known the answer, but he’s gone to that great Law School in the sky.

This is more about money. UPMC and UPenn hospitals don’t want to spend it on ultrasounds, and don’t want to lose it on abortions that never happen. And they fund a whole lot of campaigns in Pittsburgh and Philly.