Legislation would require an ultrasound before abortion

New legislation filed at the Utah State Capitol would require women to undergo an ultrasound before they can have an abortion.

Under House Bill 364 from Republican Representative Steve Christiansen, physicians who perform the ultrasound would be required to describe the presence of an unborn child in the uterus as the images are displayed, and make the fetal heartbeat audible, if possible.

Opponents of the legislation argue the ultrasound is medically unnecessary, and only creates more anguish for the woman.

No hearing for the bill has been scheduled.