Democrats Want To Target Government Ultrasounds

Idaho Democratic lawmakers are calling for a constitutional amendment to protect mothers seeking abortions against unwanted medical procedures.

Republicans pushed controversial legislation in 2012 that would have required women considering an abortion to undergo an ultrasound.

The plan failed this year, but they’ve vowed to revive the issue in 2013 with changes to curry more support.

Democrats said Friday they’ve begun crafting a measure to block those plans.

Boise Rep. Cherie Buckner-Webb says affirming Idaho citizens’ right to decline medical treatment in the state’s founding documents could provide the protection they desire from government-mandated ultrasounds.

Idaho was among a handful of states where efforts by anti-abortion activists and Republicans to pass a ultrasound bill generated protests and Capitol demonstrations.

It passed the Senate before dying this week in the House.