Utah passes bill extending abortion waiting period

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Legislature has approved a bill that would lengthen the waiting period for a woman seeking an abortion from 24 to 72 hours.

The state Senate voted 22–6 for the bill March 8, two days after the House of Representatives approved it in a 59–11 vote.

“An abortion cannot be undone. … Why would we not want to afford a woman facing a life-changing decision 72 hours to consider ramifications that could last a lifetime?” Rep. Steve Eliason, the bill’s Republican sponsor, said before the House vote, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

If enacted, the legislation would tie Utah with South Dakota for the longest waiting period in the country. A federal judge has blocked South Dakota’s 72-hour wait from taking effect.