Wisconsin’s ‘ultrasound’ debate

It was like old times at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison today when senators abruptly cut off debate and passed a bill requiring ultrasounds for women seeking an abortion.

The Senate had debated the bill yesterday but resumed this morning.

“It became popular in the ’60s,” Sen. Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) said. “It became the thing to do. You know, you almost had to get one to be a woman.”

That set the sparks flying.

Democrats said Republicans were trampling on democracy.

“My first advice to the majority leader is that he seeks psychological help,” Sen. Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) said at a news conference after the vote.

The bill now goes to the assembly. Gov. Scott Walker says he’ll sign it.

The legislation is known as “Sonia’s law,” named for a woman who allegedly was thinking about having an abortion, saw an ad at a bus shelter for ultrasounds, had one, and decided to have the baby, according to Wisconsin Right to Life.