That essentially is what the bill sponsored by Sen. Kevin Bryant, R-Anderson, would do. His bill, which has several co-sponsors, would require women seeking an abortion in South Carolina to first look at ultrasound images of their fetuses.

"In having an ultrasound, someone who's considering an abortion can see it's not just a blob of tissue, that it is a human life," said Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau, one of the bill's supporters. "Once their decision is fully understood, they're more likely to choose life."

Certainly, women should have the option of viewing an ultrasound if they want to, and the women of South Carolina are fully capable of asking doctors for the information they need to make such a personal decision without the interference of elected officials. Forcing women to undergo this procedure against their will is unacceptable.

Ordinarily, conservative lawmakers are among those who criticize costly, nonessential medical tests. In a state with more than 150,000 uninsured children, money for mandatory ultrasounds could be better spent.

IN SUMMARY
Lawmakers should not force pregnant women to view ultrasounds of fetuses.