that holding my hand sympathetically was comforting), while the ultrasound tech calmly explained what was going on and how much longer it would last. That, and my doctor's prior explanation of why it was medically necessary and her assurance that she scheduled these tests as seldom as possible. I shudder to think what it would have been like had they been uncaring or hostile. I realize my case is not typical -- it's just one example of one individual's experience. But so is the experience of the "it's no big deal" patient. Everyone is different, and to mandate something like this with such blithe lack of concern for the women who may not need them is just cruel. It's meant to be a punishment, and congratulations to them, they succeeded. I hope they can sleep at night. To the psychologist saying that the waiting period was a good idea because it forced women to confront the enormity of what they were doing -- listen to yourself! Can you honestly think you are an unbiased care-giver? Do you not think that women can be trusted to think for themselves? I sincerely wonder whether some of the trauma you say your patients are experienced was inflicted, not by the abortion itself, but by the judgmental attitude of the person who is supposed to be helping them. The real purpose of the "waiting period" laws is to make it as difficult as possible to have an abortion. Many women have to travel long