New Abortion Proposed Bill Inches Towards Approval
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Feb 21, 2011
Story Updated:
Feb 22, 2011
Just recently the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 16 requiring doctors to perform an ultrasound hours before an abortion is performed, giving the mother a chance to see the image and hear a heartbeat. The measure passed by a vote of 21-10.
Doctors would also be required to describe the sonogram giving the mother details of the fetus such as whether it has organs or limbs. that's something sparking controversy among Laredoans we spoke with.
"I think that's a women's issue,” Noemi Cain from northwest Laredo. “That's a women's prerogative and I think it's a very personal thing. I don't think the government has any issue interfering with that. It's between her and God."
"It's a good idea because for a mother to hear her own child's heartbeat, it will make her think twice about her child, about what she's about to do,” said northside resident Daphne Galindo.
The woman may decline to see the image and listen to the heartbeat, but a detailed description would be mandatory.
Critics of the bill feel it can cause emotional trauma in the long run.
"I think that would cause lots of psychological problems,” said northside resident Christopher Sanchez.
Exceptions to hearing the babies' descriptions would be granted to some women including victims of rape and incest.
The bill now heads to the Texas House of Representatives where it's expected the Republican majority will quickly pass this measure.
