"Rape by the State": TX Can Force Doctors to Deliver Intrusive Vaginal Ultrasound to Abortion Seeker

[kpete]

Judges: Texas Can Enforce Sonogram Law Now
http://www.texastribune.org/texas-legislature/2011-abortion-sonogram-bill/judges-texas-can-enforce-sonogram-law-now/


"Rape by the State"? Court: Texas Can Force Doctors to Deliver Intrusive Vaginal Ultrasound to Abortion Seekers

According to the Guttmacher Institute, 88 percent of abortions occur during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Because the fetus is so small at this stage, traditional ultrasounds performed through the abdominal wall, "jelly on the belly," often cannot produce a clear image. Therefore, a transvaginal probe is most often necessary, especially up to 10 weeks to 12 weeks of pregnancy. The probe is inserted into the vagina, sending sound waves to reflect off body structures to produce an image of the fetus. Under this new law, a woman's vagina will be penetrated without an opportunity for her to refuse due to coercion from the so-called "public servants" who passed and signed this bill into law.

MORE:
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/761251/%22rape_by_the_state%22_court%3A_texas_can_force_doctors_to_deliver_intrusive_vaginal_ultrasound_to_abortion_seekers/
http://www.texastribune.org/texas-legislature/2011-abortion-sonogram-bill/judges-texas-can-enforce-sonogram-law-now/
http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2012/01/federal_appeals_court_rules_te.php

[LiberalEsto]

1. Could this procedure cause a miscarriage?

This is not just insane, but I have to wonder how safe it is.

And what if an improperly sanitized probe caused an infection?

[uppityperson]

5. No more so than a speculum, a penis, a finger.

It is rather like getting a pelvic with a speculum.

[GoCubsGo]

10. They also put a condom over it.

A new one each time.

[TwilightGardener]

2. Well, she's just a vessel for the fetus--who cares how she feels about it?

Seriously, though, these people are sick.

[JitterbugPerfume]

3. that is obscene

[uppityperson]

4. Assholes. Is this website (link) a joke? The writeup on this is really weird

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/patients-win-in-texas-sonogram-case-137029568.html

Patients Win in Texas Sonogram Case
The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) applauds the magnificent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit this morning, which affirmed the strengthening of informed consent contained in the amended Texas Woman's Right to Know Act. Specifically, the Fifth Circuit upheld the "sonogram law" that was enacted in May 2011.

This law helps ensure that women will be fully informed before agreeing to an abortion. AAPS, which supports the Nuremberg Code for all treatments, not merely experimental ones, has long supported fully informed consent for patients.

It is the standard of care for abortion providers to perform sonograms on patients, but many do not show those sonograms to the women. Such information should not be withheld from patients in the delivery of medical care. Many women change their mind about abortion if they see their sonogram before they consent to the operation, and no one should be hiding information from a patient in order to obtain consent for a procedure that she may later regret.

AAPS filed an amicus brief in this case along with one of its Texas members. We urged the Fifth Circuit to vacate a preliminary injunction that had blocked enforcement of the sonogram law to the detriment of hundreds of women who have abortions each day there. "There is no legitimate right to deny patients informed consent, and no injunction should remain in place to perpetuate such a denial," AAPS wrote. "The preliminary injunction violates the right of the people to protect themselves against procedures performed without informed consent."...

I mean, wtf? "Patients win" by making something mandatory? What?

[my2sense]

6. Unbelievable

I weep for this country. We are quickly regressing. So the state can rape women with a probe now (for her benefit) of course.

[w8liftinglady]

7. I can only imagine the outcome of this

The cost of pregnancy termination after internal vaginal sonogram,interpretation and discussion with patient is going to be astronomical...and a LOT fewer docs will do it.

I am devastated by this. My mom was,too.She knew people who did the things to terminate pregnancy that no one discusses.Her friend's mom died in the 40's from a knitting needle abortion.I see young women here in Texas,and I feel for them.They are taught nothing about contraception(abstinence only)..and the access to safe pregnancy termination is becoming more and more of a rarity. It is horrific.

[ananda]

8. Argghhh!

This is awful. I can't believe that any court would
let this law stand.

[derby378]

9. This Tim Minchin song pretty much sums how I feel right now