Abortion statistics bill passes Utah Senate

This Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 photo shows representatives on the floor of the Utah House of Representatives at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – The Utah Senate has passed a bill that would require the state to collect more information about abortions that take place in the state.

The Senate voted 23-5 in favor of the proposal Wednesday. The five Democrats opposed it.

The bill from Rep. Sen. Margaret Dayton of Orem would require the state Department of Health to produce an annual report to lawmakers.

The report would include the number of abortions performed, how far along the pregnancy was when the abortion was performed, and the race and ethnicity of women who undergo the procedure.

Dayton says the state already collects some data from physicians as part of a federal requirement. She says this would provide lawmakers more information when considering any future abortion laws.

The bill now goes to the House.

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!