MEMPHIS, TN -
(WMC-TV) - A bill is making its way through the Tennessee legislature that would require any woman requesting an abortion to get an ultrasound first. It is a proposal that is not settling well with some people.
The employees at Planned Parenthood call the bill a huge violation of personal privacy. They say if it does become a law, it will never make it through the courts.
"It says to me that the legislature in the state of Tennessee doesn't have enough to do," said Barry Chase, Planned Parenthood of Memphis.
Senator Jim Tracy of Shelbyville filed the bill, which would require women to undergo a transabdominal ultrasound and wait at least 24 hours before going forward with an abortion.
The problem is, Chase says, during the first trimester this type of ultrasound will not show the fetus or detect a heartbeat.
The alternative is a transvaginal ultrasound.
"It will simply be another impediment to them getting an abortion. It's an unreasonable idea," said Chase.
Senator Tracy started a campaign against U.S. Representative Scott DesJarlais, who won a second term in November despite an abortion scandal.
Not only is this bill moving through the senate, but it also has a sponsor for the house.
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