Fierce debate likely over ultrasound rule in abortion proposal

TALLAHASSEE — A sure-to-be explosive showdown is in store for the Senate floor after a committee on Tuesday gave party-line approval to a bill that would require all women wanting to have an abortion either to watch an ultrasound beforehand or sign a form saying they don't want to.

The measure was approved at its final hearing before the Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee, with three Republicans pitted against two Democrats.

Last week, it squeaked by 4-3 in the Health Regulations Committee, with one Democrat and one Republican switching sides.

Republican sponsor Daniel Webster of Winter Garden, the senate majority leader, said that in the full Senate, "It'll be a close vote."

Palm Beach Post