CHARLESTON -- The West Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill Friday requiring that women who plan an abortion be given 24 hours notice that they can view an ultrasound of the fetus if that ultrasound is part of the procedure at the medical facility.

There was lengthy discussion of Senate Bill 597, with supporters saying that it's another tool for a woman who wants to make an informed decision while opponents said it's an insult to women's intelligence. The bill passed 80-17 and now must go back to the Senate for approval.

Delegate Kelli Sobonya, R-Cabell, said the bill is a good way of making sure women have important information before making that decision.

"I believe in the sanctity of human life, but I believe if you can help inform someone before any life-altering decision, I'm in favor of that," Sobonya said "It's not a mandate. It gives them an opportunity to get an ultrasound and see it before they make that decision."

Jim Morgan, D-Cabell, voted against the bill, saying that it seems another impediment to women's rights.

"I don't think this bill would make much difference," he said. "But I have always voted for women's rights, and I didn't see any use in voting for this one."

One amendment made by the House lengthened the notice a pregnant woman gets about seeing an ultrasound from one hour before the procedure to 24 hours. Another amendment removed state sanctions for medical professionals who don't follow the new law, putting the power to reprimand in the hands of the medical professional's licensing board.

Delegate Carol Miller, R-Cabell, likes the amendment that gives more notice about viewing an ultrasound before a scheduled abortion.

"That gives them a little more time to think about what they're doing, and they have the right to say no," she said.

While many women understand the gravity of that decision, there may be some out there who do not, she said. It not only affects the fetus, but is a serious surgical procedure for the mother, she said.

Miller added that for the past four years, she's sponsored legislation that would require high school health classes to teach students about fetal development starting from conception, another measure to help make sure West Virginians make informed decisions, she said.

Other delegates said requiring the offer to see an ultrasound is offensive to women.

Nancy Guthrie, D-Kanawha, described the bill as a "train wreck."

"This is not a gleeful decision. You sit, you stare at walls and you cry and think about (the decision) ... and if it's even best for the father," she said. "How could you do that to a woman when she's facing possibly the most painful decision of her entire life?"

She said most of those in the House of Delegates "can't understand this issue because they're not equipped. They're not women."

Patrick Lane, R-Kanawha, supported the bill, stressing that it's about information. He said he's had clients in his work as an attorney who have had abortions, and some have been devastated and later suffered from alcoholism and depression.

"They talk to me about how it was the worst decision they've ever made in their lives," he said. "... I can't imagine (their situation), but I understand that they need information."

He added that his wife is 20 weeks pregnant.

"Nobody asks when the fetus is due. They ask when the baby is due," he said.

Mike Caputo, D-Marion, said the Legislature doesn't need to get involved in such private matters.

"I think the decision should be between them and their family and their God," he said. "That's the way I feel. I don't see why we have to get involved except for politics. I believe women have fought and struggled to gain rights, and for a body that's 80 percent men to tell them what they have to do at the most difficult moment of their life is insulting."

National Video