Fetal-pain measure clears state Senate

Legislation requiring physicians to advise women seeking an abortion at less than 20 weeks into term that their fetus will feel pain is headed to the governor's desk after clearing its final legislative hurdle Wednesday morning in the Utah Senate, 22-4.

Lawmakers apparently sided with proponents during the short debate over HB222, which passed the House 56-15 on Feb. 3. Proponents said they support the measure even though medical evidence is unclear whether an unborn child at that stage actually feels pain. The bill permits, but doesn't require, women to allow for anesthesia to be administered for pain but gives them 24 hours to reflect on the information given to them about fetal pain.

"If there is any chance of pain being there, this is the humane thing to do," Sen. Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, told fellow senators in explaining his support.

Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake, said he regarded the proposal as a "scare tactic for women who are already in an impossible situation," and that aspects of the bill were "a little silly" because on one hand it requires that a pain advisory be given, while under certain conditions a doctor can completely disregard it. "This really is just not necessary and doesn't service a legitimate purpose."

Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan and senate sponsor, said he believes that "a child is a child at conception, and for people to argue against it is to not give an option to a baby that the state gives a convicted murderer before an execution.

"And they talk about the doctor/patient relationship, well, one of the two is about to be killed," Buttars said. "I say we should be in favor of the one being killed."

E-mail: jthalman@desnews.com