Pro-Life Sonogram Bill Passes in the Texas House

AUSTIN, TX - On Monday, the Texas House of Representatives approved House Bill 15 which would require a sonogram for women seeking an abortion.  The legislation, which was co-authored by Representative Bohac, will ensure pregnant women have all of the facts to help them make an informed decision before the procedure.

“I am proud to have co-authored this very important piece of legislation that will ensure women have all of the facts before making a life changing decision,” said Bohac.  “Strengthening our state’s pro-life laws has always been a priority, and I applaud my colleagues for their hard work and effort to pass this bill.”

The use of a sonogram is standard in medical care and used during the pregnancy to determine any health problems that the baby might be facing.  Currently, abortion providers are required to perform a sonogram before an abortion but they are not required to reveal its contents to the pregnant woman.  House Bill 15 requires that the physician who is performing the abortion or a medical sonographer conduct a sonogram not more than 72 hours or less than 24 hours before the abortion takes place.  The physician or sonographer must offer to provide verbal descriptions of the fetus and the presence of a heartbeat.  Additionally, the real time heartbeat must be made audible for the pregnant woman.

The measure, which passed the Texas House on third reading today, now goes to the State Senate for approval.

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