Judge rules ND abortion clinic doesn't have to provide audio of fetal heartbeat

Fargo, N.D. (AP) A judge says North Dakota's only abortion clinic does not have to provide audio of a fetal heartbeat for women who want to end their pregnancies.

Judge Douglas Herman ruled today in a challenge to a new state law. It requires the Red River Women's Clinic to offer patients ultrasound images of their fetuses at least 24 hours before they have an abortion.

The law also says women must have a chance to listen to the fetal heartbeat.

Opponents of the provision said it was confusing. Herman's ruling says the clinic has to tell patients the audio may be available. But the judge says the clinic doesn't have to provide the audio itself.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says Herman's ruling went along with the state's own interpretation of the law. Stenehjem says the law is intended to provide women with more information.

(SOUND: Sound files have been e-mailed to accompany this story) (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-12-09 1411CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list