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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A Senate committee on Monday advanced a bill that would require physicians to inform women considering an abortion that the fetus might feel pain during the procedure.
House Bill 222 from Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, would mandate physicians provide the information at least 24-hours before a procedure. It would also require doctors give women information about anesthetics or analgesics that might lessen pain for a fetus.
The bill would apply to a fetus of at least 20 weeks old. Exceptions would be allowed in medical emergencies or if the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.
Opponents, including some doctors, say there is no clear evidence that a fetus can feel pain.
The bill passed the committee 3-2 and will be sent to the Senate floor for debate. The House passed the bill 56-15.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
