A year after former Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed a similar proposal, Gov. Rick Scott late Friday signed a bill that will require ultrasounds before women can receive abortions.
Scott also approved a bill aimed at tightening the state law that requires parents to be notified before their minor daughters can have abortions.
Scott signed both controversial bills quietly, with his office notifying reporters after 7 p.m.
HB 1127 will require ultrasounds before women can have first-trimester abortions, a requirement that is already in place for later-term abortions.
Women will have to sign forms if they do not want to see the fetal images or hear descriptions.
Supporters said the bill will ensure that women receive needed information — and could lead some to forgo abortions.
But opponents said the requirement is government interference in the relationship between doctors and patients.
The parental-notice measure (HB 1247), meanwhile, seeks to tighten restrictions on what is known as judicial “bypass.” That process allows minors to seek court approval for abortions without their parents being notified.
