COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A bill requiring women in South Carolina to wait at least 24 hours after their ultrasound before getting an abortion has received approval from a legislative panel.
A Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee passed the bill 3-2 on Thursday. The House passed the bill last month.
The bill increases the wait time from one hour to one day.
Supporters say it gives women time to reflect on a decision that can never be undone.
Critics argue that requiring two trips creates a burden, especially for poor, rural women who may have to take two days off work.
The bill heads to the full Medical Affairs Committee, where senators are expected to try to drop the two-trip requirement or allow women to get ultrasounds somewhere other than the abortion clinic.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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