The bill passed 56-39 and made performing ultrasound tests at least 24 hours before abortion mandatory.
The requirement can be waived if concerned persons submit that the pregnancy is the result of an incest or sexual assault.
During a speech on the bill Republican State Representative Pat Strachota stressed that the bill was about empowering women and “about having full knowledge of the decision that women are about to make,” when they choose to go for an abortion.
The bill makes it mandatory for a description of the fetus and a visualization of the fetal heartbeat to be provided to the woman asking for an abortion. However the woman asking for the abortion can also decline to receive the reports.
Democratic State Representative Janis Ringhand severely criticized the bill saying, “I hope we come to our senses and realize that women are in charge of their own bodies. It’s not a political issue.” She said, “It’s just a crying shame that we’re here today doing this.”
Just before passing the ultrasound bill, on Wednesday, the Wisconsin state Assembly also approved a bill prohibiting public funds being spent for covering abortion in insurance plans for public employees. The bill also exempted religious organizations from being compelled to cover contraception on their employee healthcare insurance plans.