The media has grossly misrepresented the Women’s Right to Know Act (House Bill 1077).  When a woman faces a decision as grave and irrevocable as abortion, she deserves to have the full range of information relating to her pregnancy and the development of her unborn child ahead of time.

Ultrasounds are a routine medical test and are already part of the standard process at abortion facilities. This legislation ensures a woman has the chance to view that ultrasound image and is provided with vital information relevant to the decision she is about to make.

According to Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation, ultrasounds are already being done as a routine part of their abortion procedures. Determining the type of ultrasound done prior to an abortion is left up to the doctor and the bill does not change that. The media has inaccurately claimed the bill mandates trans-vaginal ultrasounds. In fact, an abortion itself requires an ultrasound be performed and it is the doctor’s decision as to the particular method.

Contrary to the assertions of the media and abortion advocates, it is not the ultrasound that violates a woman, but the violent and invasive act of abortion. Abortion is traumatizing for women and always ends the life of an unborn child.

Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation Legislative Director Maria Vitale Gallagher said, “Women are strong. We deserve nothing less than to be fully informed about our pregnancies and the development of our unborn children. If the General Assembly does not pass this legislation it would be doing a huge disservice to women across the Commonwealth.”