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Senate advances "Unborn Child Pain Prevention" measure after heated medical debate
Summary
Senators approved amended House Bill 22 requiring information on fetal pain and availability of anesthesia on request; supporters called it humane, while opponents cited a JAMA review saying fetal pain is unlikely before the third trimester and warned the bill intrudes on physician–patient judgment.
House Bill 22 (the "Unborn Child Pain Prevention" measure) moved forward in the Utah Senate after an intensive floor exchange among sponsors, medical critics and other members.
Senator Butters, the bill sponsor, said the current statute required informing a woman about anesthesia that can relieve fetal pain; a floor amendment made administration subject to the woman's request and clarified that physicians need not comply when the woman's health or life is at risk. The…
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