BOISE, Idaho — Idaho is publishing a list of places where pregnant women considering abortions can get free ultrasounds.
Lawmakers in the Republican-dominated Statehouse pushed for the list earlier this year during the legislative session, where anti-abortion legislation is common and almost always receives the governor’s signature. The state’s GOP supermajority refused requests from minority Democratic members to ensure the information given by the ultrasound providers was medically accurate.
In total, 11 ultrasound providers requested to be included on the state list. Most are crisis pregnancy centers, which discourage women from getting abortions and often are run by religiously affiliated groups.
The state’s three Planned Parenthood clinics were excluded because they do not offer free ultrasounds.
Idaho’s health agency says it has not inspected or certified the centers on the list. State officials also have posted a warning that the information the centers provide should not be used as medical advice and is not endorsed by the state. The list will be updated each Jan. 1.
“Adding that language was a way to let people know that we’re not saying this is going to be a great ultrasound experience,” agency spokeswoman Niki Forbing-Orr said. “There’s no registry for this type of equipment in Idaho. Anyone can own and operate one.”
Proponents of the law say creating the list simply provides useful information to women contemplating abortions. Critics counter the law is another effort to burden these women.
State officials posted the list at abortioninfo.dhw.idaho.gov and will distribute it to abortion providers. The list includes the ultrasound providers’ contact information, addresses and hours of operation.
