Pre-abortion ultrasound plan on hold in Pa., but still a campaign issue

A Pennsylvania House measure that would require women to get an ultrasound before they undergo an abortion is on hold due to concerns of medical groups.

Democrats, however, are not passing up a chance to rally their base around the issue.

At a recent Capitol rally against the ultrasound bill, candidates for office were in the crowd.

Harriet Ellenberger, a Democrat running for a State House seat, said she’s protesting the bill on behalf of younger women.

“The ultrasound bill, of course, wouldn’t affect me because I’m too old to have children,” she said.

House Republicans say, for all intents and purposes, the bill is dead.

But Democrats, including attorney general candidates Kathleen Kane and Patrick Murphy continue to weigh in on the issue.

“As we all know, Gov. Corbett lent his support for the bill, and his insensitive and demeaning remarks, saying just, women just have to close their eyes,” Murphy said.

House Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Philadelphia, just joined the ranks of the very quotable with her comment about the ultrasound bill’s co-sponsors. Questioning why any women are supporting the bill, Josephs asked, “Are they women? Or are they men with breasts?”