The Kentucky Senate has passed a bill aimed at requiring doctors to perform ultrasounds prior to abortions and describe what the procedure shows to pregnant women.
The measure cleared the Republican-led Senate on a 31-5 vote Thursday. The vote came hours after the bill was approved by a Senate committee.
Similar proposals passed the Senate in past years but died in the Democratic-led House.
Republican Sen. Julie Raque Adams of Louisville said Thursday the bill deals with an important women's health issue.
Doctors failing to comply with the bill would face fines of up to $100,000 for a first offense and up to $250,000 for subsequent violations.
Derek Selznick, representing the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, said the bill is an attempt by politicians to interfere in doctor-patient relationships.
