Sebelius signs bill to deter abortions ahead of hearings

In a move to potentially placate pro-life detractors, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D-Kan.) signed a bill on Friday allowing women to observe an ultrasound before having an abortion.

Sebelius, whose nomination to be Health and Human Services secretary has stoked the ire of anti-abortion foes, signed the bill, which is intended to act as an emotional deterrent to abortion.

“Now, more than ever, we need to focus on those priorities, which unite the people of Kansas,” Sebelius said.

Sebelius is likely to face abortion-related questions during Senate hearings on her nomination, particularly on a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on the availability of emergency contraception as an over-the-counter product.