The Idaho House passed HB248 on a vote of 54 to 15 this week. It would require abortionists who use ultrasound equipment as part of their practice to offer women considering an abortion the chance to see their baby before they commit the act.

The legislation is simple in language and concept – but potentially dramatic in its effect.

Much of the abortion debate is a walk through Alice’s fantasy land. Things that are, are suddenly gone. Things we used to know – well, we’re not allowed to know once inside the story. Women who like the idea are carrying a baby in their womb; those who are upset or inconvenienced can choose to believe it is a mere tumor only needing excision. And we are required to stand by and support her choice of realities.

But a live picture of a growing, moving, tiny human being is difficult to argue with. As they say, it could be worth a thousand words – especially if those words are merely rationalizations and outright lies. Limited experience in other states indicates that seeing an ultrasound image of her baby convinces many women to walk out of the abortionist’s office.

A number of Democrats supported the legislation – including Margaret Henbest, Branden Durst and James Ruchti of Pocatello.

We are also surprised that just one Republican voted against the bill – Tom Trail of Moscow.

Perhaps the most surprising vote was cast by freshman Democrat Jerry Shively of Idaho Falls. He joined with a majority of Democrats in supporting Planned Parenthood in their opposition to the bill.

The bill is now in the Senate State Affairs Committee awaiting hearing early next week.

Labels: abortion, Planned Parenthood, Shively