Protesters want Crist to veto abortion bill

About 20 people showed up at a state legislator's office today to protest a controversial abortion bill passed last month, urging Gov. Charlie Crist to veto it.

The demonstration took place in front of the office of state Rep. John Legg, a supporter of House Bill 1143, which contains a provision requiring all women seeking elective abortions - even those in the first trimester - to first get an ultrasound.

"We feel the governor should absolutely veto this legislation," said Doris Rosen, one of the protest's organizers. "It's not in the best interest of women."

Prior to having the abortion, a woman would have to view the ultrasound and listen to a doctor's description of it unless she declined in writing to do so or unless she could prove she was seeking an abortion because of rape, incest, human trafficking or a threat to her health. The measure expands existing law that requires an ultrasound in the second and third trimesters. Opponents say an ultrasound is more invasive during the first trimester because it must be done vaginally.

Sandi Weeks, a psychiatric nurse, said forcing rape or sexual abuse victims to view an ultrasound would be a mental blow for women already coping with a lot.

"It's a second traumatization," she said.

"These male legislators who don't have ovaries and don't have wombs have no business telling women what to do with their bodies," Weeks said.

The group picked Legg's office because of its visibility and his support of the bill that passed the House on a near party-line vote of 76-44, with Democrat Leonard Bembry of Greenville voting for it and Republican Ed Homan of Tampa voting no.

Another demonstration is planned for Thursday in front of Crist's condominium in St. Petersburg, Rosen said. The goal is to convince people to encourage Crist to veto the measure.

"People need to let the governor know how they feel," she said.