Nebraska lawmakers bill have tweaked a bill designed to ensure that a woman seeking an abortion is first given a chance to see an ultrasound of the fetus.

In a voice vote Wednesday, the Legislature advanced the bill (LB675), introduced by Sen. Tony Fulton of Lincoln, so that it's ready for a final vote. Gov. Dave Heineman would need to sign it to make it law.

The measure has drawn wide approval from lawmakers through earlier rounds of debate, as well as some criticism.

If the bill were signed into law, Nebraska would be among more than a dozen other states that have adopted such a measure.

The vote came after lawmakers approved an amendment that clarified language in the bill about the qualifications of the health professionals performing the ultrasounds.

Supporters of the bill say it would give women more information to consider before making abortion decisions.

Others criticize the bill, saying it's government forcing itself into a private procedure that should be between a doctor and a patient.

The bill would require those who perform an ultrasound before an abortion to tell the woman a view of the fetus will be available and position the screen so that the woman can easily see it if she wants. Fulton has said that almost all abortions include ultrasounds to find the fetuses and determine their ages.

The bill also would require the state to compile a list of clinics that offer free ultrasounds to women.

Sen. Brenda Council of Omaha criticized that point, saying it will force the Department of Health and Human Services to spend more tax money.