Texas Senate passes bill to require sonogram before abortion
AUSTIN – Women in Texas must be offered a fetal sonogram and hear a heartbeat before having an abortion under legislation approved by the Senate on Thursday.
The legislation, hailed by abortion opponents as a way to entitle women to more information, would be in addition to a 24-hour waiting period and state-dictated medical information that already are required.
But others questioned further government intrusion into a difficult, personal decision that would mandate certain tests, information and procedures.
The bill has been challenged by both the Texas Medical Association and the State Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as an intrusion into the physician-patient relationship.
The doctor’s groups said the bill interferes with a doctor’s judgment and would violate medical ethics in situations where patients tell doctors they don’t want certain information, but the doctors are forced to tell them about it anyway.
After a long, often emotional debate, the Senate voted 21-10 on the proposal. It has strong support from Gov. Rick Perry and House Republican leaders and is likely to become law. A House committee is expected to debate the measure next week.
