Women will be forced to look at an ultrasound of their unborn baby before they can have an abortion under a new law passed in the US despite a walkout by female politicians.

The Utah Senate passed the measure – which has been widely condemned – after a vote by male members.

Under the legislation, women will also be made to listen to the unborn child's heartbeat if it is possible.

Before the vote was taken six women walked out in a spontaneous demonstration against the "invasive nature of the bill".

Doctors could face fines of nearly £80,000 if they do not show the ultrasound to a woman before the procedure.

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A picture of the six senators was shared on Twitter, appearing to show them embracing.

Senator Luz Escamilla wrote: "Love my sisters in the Senate.

"A spontaneous decision not planned of sisterhood against the invasive nature of HB 364."

Those who walked out were both Republican and Democrats.

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Senator Deidre Henderson, Republican, said that although she is pro-life, she believes "we are overstepping with government mandates of medically unnecessary procedures".

But Senator Curtis Bramble, who voted in favour, defended the measure.

He told the Dereset News: "If you are going to take the life of a child, if you are willing to terminate that life through an abortion, it seems appropriate that you get the best information about the development, the stage of development, heart beat – we are talking about a human being."

One speaker, Meredith Reed, said it was a "deeply personal" matter and the decision was “not one that should be made by politicians”.

Republican Steve Christiansen said the step would probably make people choose not to ahead.

He told St George News: "When a woman sees live video of the baby that’s within her womb and hears a heartbeat … logic would say that many women are going to choose life."

Abortion rights are expected to form a key battleground in the forthcoming US general election with Donald Trump having elected two Supreme Court justices who have supported restrictions on abortion access.

Earlier this month the court heard arguments in the most high-profile abortion case in decades, regarding whether Louisiana can impose severe restrictions on abortion doctors.

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