Forced ultrasounds

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Has anyone been following this? Virginia just passed a law that requires any woman who wishes an abortion must have an ultrasound (and pay for it) prior to the abortion. Since most of these are done prior to 12 weeks that means the ultrasound will most likely be lady partsl. Does any one else have a problem with this? I know that the abortion would also be lady partsl but this is an unnecessary procedure. What is the medical purpose here? Obviously none. Here's a few links covering the story. I was disappointed I couldn't find any public comments from nursing organizations.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?121+sum+SB484

http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2012/02/virginia_ultrasound_law_women_who_want_an_abortion_will_be_forcibly_penetrated_for_no_medical_reason.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/virginia-gops-abortion-bill-reeks-of-hypocrisy/2012/02/07/gIQAYiU1zQ_story.html

[dishes, BSN, RN]

The medical reason for doing the ultrasound prior to abortion is to accurately determine gestational age, if an abortion is done in the second trimester rather than the first trimester, there is a higher risk of maternal morbidity.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

The hope is the mother will change her mind when she sees her baby on the ultrasound which new technology can give very lifelike images of the unborn. It's better to choose life then to live with the regrets of abortion. How many women suffer in silence in this day and age. It is very sad. Doctors take the hippocratic oath, first do no harm so a true doctor would abhor abortion and euthanasia.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

The medical reason for doing the ultrasound prior to abortion is to accurately determine gestational age, if an abortion is done in the second trimester rather than the first trimester, there is a higher risk of maternal morbidity.

Thanks, didn't know that.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

The hope is the mother will change her mind when she sees her baby on the ultrasound which new technology can give very lifelike images of the unborn. It's better to choose life then to live with the regrets of abortion. How many women suffer in silence in this day and age. It is very sad. Doctors take the hippocratic oath, first do no harm so a true doctor would abhor abortion and euthanasia.

You have a good point about abortion but that is not the point I was trying to make. The real hope is to create barriers that make it more difficult for women to get an abortion, which is a legal procedure, regardless of differing opinions. No matter how you feel, I believe women have the right to make a choice in their own way.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

I don't know where you get your information from brandy, but it is not based on medical literature. The ultrasound is ordered by the doctor who does the abortion and it is a basic ultrasound not a 3D ultrasound.

[leenak]

If there was any medical reason for it, I'd expect a mandate to be given by something like the medical community? Since when do politicians mandate medical procedures?

Obviously it is creating a barrier for women, especially those that can barely afford an abortion, it is another cost added onto it.

[VioletKaliLPN, LPN]

I have had an abortion, for reference. Ultrasounds are always given prior to an abortion, it is the method used to determine gestation and visualize the pregnancy to ensure it is not ectopic or abnormal.(molar pregnancy)

What was NOT done was a "play by play", so to speak. I was not told how many BPM the heart was beating, or other info in which a woman with a wanted pregnancy would wish to know.

Ultrasounds are done, they just want a "play by play" done as well.

[MN-Nurse, ASN, RN]

This law, and all others like it, are idiotic.

Providers and their patients are perfectly capable of ordering appropriate tests.

[MN-Nurse, ASN, RN]

Doctors take the hippocratic oath, first do no harm so a true doctor would abhor abortion

I know this isn't the discussion at hand, but your statement above is simply false.

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

A friend had an abortion at Planned Parenthood in 1992. An ultrasound was done. Using ultrasound prior to an abortion is nothing new.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Having the ultrasound is not the barrier to having an abortion, it is not a new practice and is required for medical safety. The law is about full informed consent, the pregnant woman will be offered the opportunity to view the image and listen to the heartbeat and her response will be documented on the informed consent. My understanding is the law will require a consent form to contain questions like "Do you wish to view the ultrasound image?" "Do you wish to listen to the heartbeat?" The woman will check yes or no and sign and date the consent form just like they would for any other consent.