Ultrasound Law

This entry is in regards to my classmate, Maria’s commentary on the ultrasound law, New Texas Law on Abortion .  I feel Maria’s argument was clear and concise.  I understand the point she was making, although I disagree with this new anti-choice law and I believe it was not established to help educate and provide patients with informed consent. 

I feel this is an attempt by pro-life activists to use intimidation in order to further their agenda.  Governor Rick Perry was quoted by DallasNews.com saying ““Today’s ruling is a victory for all who stand in defense of life.”  This is not a statement made by someone who just wants to educate, this is a statement made by someone with an agenda, and their agenda is to make it as uncomfortable as possible for a women to have the right to choose.   LifeNews.com quoted Elizabeth Graham, Texas Right to Life Director,  saying, “Our Sonogram Law is the best chance we’ve had in decades to take pregnant girls right out of Planned Parenthood and shut down their filthy, evil business. And Planned Parenthood knows this — they know the threat of the truth, of women looking through the window to the womb,” This is yet another example of how this law has little to do with education and informed consent and more do with taking away a woman’s right to choose.

I think all women should be offered the option to see the sonogram and hear the details if they choose to, not because the state chooses for them.  To me it seems that this law may go against a patient’s wishes by making it mandatory to hear the details even if they request not to.  If education is truly the intent, than health care providers need to find ways to inform their patients without using scare and intimidation tactics.

I agree that perhaps some women are possibly too flippant about the decision to have an abortion, but since it is legal, it is not our job to find ways to dissuade to them.