Texas Passes Bill to Require Sonograms Before Abortions

[WestVirginiaRebel]

New York Times:

HOUSTON — In a victory for anti-abortion advocates, Texas will join the ranks of states that require doctors to perform a sonogram before conducting an abortion.

Gov. Rick Perry, a conservative Republican, made the bill, which the Legislature passed on Thursday, a priority and is expected to sign it. The bill requires a doctor to conduct a sonogram at least 24 hours before an abortion and to give the woman the opportunity to see the results and hear the heartbeat of the fetus. Though the woman can choose not to view the images and hear the heartbeat, the doctor must describe what the sonogram shows, including the existence of legs, arms and internal organs.

“This will be one of the strongest pieces of sonogram legislation in the nation,” the bill’s author, Representative Sid Miller, a Republican from Stephenville, told reporters. Mr. Miller predicted the measure would “save numerous unborn lives.”

Because the measures passed both houses of the Legislature with a two-thirds majority, it will go into effect as soon as the governor signs it.

At least three other states have similar laws, and Oklahoma passed a bill last year requiring a doctor to provide a detailed oral description of the embryo, but a court has temporarily stayed that measure pending a lawsuit. Opponents say the bill is designed to dissuade women from seeking abortions, and they argue that the state should not interfere with the relationship between a doctor and patient.
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I happen to agree. Personal health decisions like this are none of politicians' business.

[Rheo]

Opponents say the bill is designed to dissuade women from seeking abortions, and they argue that the state should not interfere with the relationship between a doctor and patient.

 

I've not read the whole article yet, so....

 

Why is having some facts about the life and death situation wrong? These women should know the facts about what they are about to "choose" to do.

 

 

Is the state paying for abortions now? yes..in one way or another.

 

I think I'm okay, as a taxpayer, until it is eliminated as a federal issue, paying the cost of the sonogram. It has a better chance of changing hearts and minds than a lecture and judgement.

[Argyle58]

I happen to agree. Personal health decisions like this are none of politicians' business.

 

And you can't legislate morality.