The U.S. Supreme Court has delivered a big victory for life. On Monday, the court declined to hear an appeal of a ruling which upheld a Kentucky law requiring an abortionist, prior to the abortion, to perform an ultrasound, describe the dimensions of the preborn baby and play audio of the baby’s heartbeat.

After the law was declared constitutional by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, this decision by the Supreme Court means the 6th Circuit’s decision to uphold the law will go into effect. 

The bill, HB 2, was signed into law in 2017 by then Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin. 

In a legal brief filed at the Supreme Court defending HB 2, lawyers for Kentucky Secretary for Health and Family Services Adam Meier wrote, “HB 2’s requirements are simple and straightforward. They do nothing more than require that women who are considering an abortion be provided with information that is truthful, non-misleading and relevant to their decision of whether to have an abortion.” 

“Specifically, it requires a physician or qualified technician to do the following before performing an abortion: (1) display an ultrasound image of the child; (2) provide the woman with a medical description of the ultrasound, including the dimensions of the child and the presence of any external members or internal organs; and (3) auscultate (listen to) the fetal heartbeat so that it can be heard if audible,” the brief continued. 

Outspoken pro-life advocate Lila Rose tweeted, “The Supreme Court has allowed Kentucky’s ultrasound requirement law to go into effect! When women have the chance to see the humanity of their child & hear their heartbeat, many reject the violence of abortion. This is a great win for Kentucky & our nation.” 

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which brought the petition to the Supreme Court, quickly slammed the decision as “unconstitutional” and “unethical.”

Indiana has passed a similar law which requires an ultrasound at least 18 hours prior to an abortion. That law is not currently in effect because of a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood, and a decision by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals which struck down the law. 

Intriguingly, Indiana appealed that decision to the Supreme Court in February of this year, and the court has not yet decided whether it will hear the case.

Let’s be thankful that the Supreme Court has allowed Kentucky’s law to take effect. And please be in prayer that the court will accept Indiana’s petition and uphold their informed consent law.

The Kentucky case is EMW Women’s Surgical Center v. Meier

The Indiana case is Box v. Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky Inc.

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