TEXAS: Lawmakers Pass Bill Requiring Sonograms Before Abortions

Today the Texas legislature finalized a bill that requires doctors to take a sonogram and offer to show the image to the patient before performing an abortion. Gov. Rick Perry is expected to sign the bill immediately.

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.