Due to newly enacted legislation, women in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi are now required to view an ultrasound of their fetus prior to having an abortion. Although women may be exempted from this procedure if they suffer from an emergency medical condition, victims of rape and incest are not so lucky.

A spokesperson for Lifenews admits that there is no scientific benefit to this, but believes that 'love' will change the woman's mind. Meanwhile studies in British Columbia have shown that this law does little to dissuade women from their decisions. According to the study, 84% of women who viewed the ultrasound did not find their decision any more difficult and none of them changed their minds.

Nevertheless, this mandate has caused much emotional turmoil for women who require abortions later in their pregnancies. Linda Meek, Director of Reproductive Services abortion clinic in Tulsa states that this requirement is "very intrusive, and very cruel."

Woman have taken offense at the suggestions that the state is making about their ability to make an informed decision. Many feel that this attempt at "emotional torture" is unnecessary since their decision was difficult enough in the first place.

Read the entire New York Times article for more information.