SALT LAKE CITY, March 6 (UPI) -- A bill that would extend Utah's waiting period for an abortion from 24 hours to 72 hours passed the state House by 59-11.
The state Senate is expected to act on the bill before the Legislature adjourns Thursday, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.
If the bill becomes law, Utah would have the longest waiting period in the country, with women required to get counseling at least three full days before they have the procedure, although it would allow women in rural areas to get counseling at a location other than the abortion clinic. A similar waiting period in North Dakota was put on hold by a federal judge.
Rep. Steve Eliason, a Republican, described the measure as good for women.
"An abortion cannot be undone," he said. "Why would we not want to afford a woman facing a life-changing decision 72 hours to consider ramifications that could last a lifetime?"
Eleven Democrats voted against the bill, two voted for it and four were absent. All Republicans voted for the measure.
Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, a Democrat who has been in the House for 12 years, was the only person to oppose the bill during a short debate.
"I think this is another example of government intrusion into the private, difficult decisions that adults have to make," she said.
