Judge strikes down most of Texas abortion law

Kris Alingod
August 31, 2011

A federal judge has struck down key portions of a law that was to take effect on Thursday in Texas. The measure, which opponents say interferes with the doctor-patient relationship, required mothers to view a sonogram and listen to the heartbeat of their unborn baby before an abortion.

U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks granted a preliminary injunction late Tuesday, deciding in favor of the Center for Reproductive Rights. The ruling means the law cannot take effect until the case is resolved.

Sparks ruled that doctors cannot be criminally charged if they do not comply with provisions requiring them to perform an ultrasound at least 24 hours before an abortion. If the woman lives more than 100 miles from the abortion clinic, she is allowed to have the sonogram at least two hours before the procedure. the rest

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