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New Abortion Rules Move Forward

By KRWG News

Texas – Texas senators took another step toward passing a requirement that doctors conduct a sonogram before performing an abortion.

The most controversial aspect of the bill approved Monday is a 24-hour waiting period between the procedures, unless the woman lives more than 100 miles away.

Republican State Sen. Dan Patrick said the bill will give women information about the procedure they want performed. Opponents say it is designed to intimidate and traumatize women seeking an abortion.

The bill also requires doctors to give women the option of seeing the sonogram and hearing the fetal heartbeat. The doctor is required to describe what he sees on the sonogram, to include any arms or legs.

The legislation has been bouncing between the House and Senate, as lawmakers work out a final version.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.