Government
Lawsuit targets Okla. abortion law
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 3, 2008
Abortion-rights advocates are challenging an Oklahoma law requiring physicians to show an ultrasound to women seeking abortions.
In a lawsuit filed Oct. 10, the Center for Reproductive Rights said the statute violates patients' privacy rights. At press time in October, the statute was set to take effect Nov. 1.
Anti-abortion groups supporting the law said it was intended to ensure that women are fully informed before consenting to the procedure. The Oklahoma State Medical Assn. opposed the measure over concerns that it would interfere with physicians' medical judgment. The association did not take a position on abortion.
At least 12 states, including Oklahoma, have abortion-counseling laws with ultrasound requirements, according to the Guttmacher Institute, an abortion-rights policy group that tracks such legislation.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/11/03/gvbf1103.htm.












