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Utah House advances informed-consent bill requiring in-person consultation, raising access and litigation concerns
Summary
The Utah House passed the second-substitute informed-consent bill (second substitute H.B. 129) after extended debate; supporters said in-person interviews strengthen reflection and promote adoption, while opponents warned the restriction on telephone consultations could burden rural women and invite costly litigation under Casey precedents.
The Utah House of Representatives passed the second substitute of House Bill 129 on March 1, moving stricter informed-consent requirements for abortion into the Senate for further consideration. Supporters said the measure, which requires a personal interview at the start of the 24-hour waiting period, will give women time to reflect and encourage adoption as an alternative.
Backers framed the requirement as a means to ensure higher-quality, professional counseling than a telephone call can provide. A floor sponsor told colleagues the bill…
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