During a committee hearing, Brod said she received bipartisan support and expects the same on the House floor.

Bonoff admits that she was concerned, before agreeing to sponsor the bill, that it might be used to instigate a debate about abortion. Because the Senate is controlled by abortion rights advocates, abortion opponents tend to raise the issue by attempting to attach amendments to other related legislation.

“I was nervous I was being set up,” said Bonoff, who nevertheless intends to move the bill forward in the 2008 session. “I do plan to go forward with it. I’m not going to be hesitant.”

Like Bonoff, Brod said she will withdraw the bill if abortion-related amendments are offered and has made that clear to her fellow pro-choice lawmakers.

“This is a pro-compassion issue for women and parents,” Brod said.

Six states have already passed similar laws.