ST. PAUL, April 15, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a victory for Minnesota pro-lifers, Governor Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, has signed into law an informed consent bill requiring hospitals and abortion clinics to provide certain information, with a 24-hour waiting period, before having an abortion, effective July 1. “It’s a moderate, reasonable piece of legislation and I’m going to sign it,” the governor told reporters. Eighteen other states have adopted informed consent and waiting-periods; West Virginia legislators approved one earlier this year. “If ever there is a time to reconsider or to take an extra moment - what if it is 24 hours, what if it’s 48 or 72 hours? - it’s worth it if the procedure you’re considering is going to take a life,” said state Senator Pat Pariseau, also a Republican. Other information that must now be provided to women, in person or on the telephone, includes: o The probable gestational age of the unborn child; o Medical risks associated with abortions and with carrying a child to term. o What state benefits may be available; o That the father is obliged by law to help support the child. For local coverage: http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/5635101.htm