Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • Classifieds
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / Opinion / Editorials / Texas shouldn’t mandate sonograms

Texas shouldn’t mandate sonograms

February 25, 2011 by Optimist Editorial Board

We encourage all pregnant women who are considering an abortion to have a sonogram. Courageous sonogram decisions would nullify the need for the Texas legislature to mandate pre-abortion sonograms that substitute the state’s will for the woman’s will.

Senate Bill 16, approved by the state Senate on a 21-10 vote, passed on largely partisan lines, with most Republicans voting for the bill and most Democrats dissenting. The bill now moves to the Texas House of Representatives where a Republican super-majority is expected to pass the bill with little difficulty. A majority of Texas lawmakers are hoping that more women will opt not to receive an abortion after they see a sonogram, a goal of the bill. We commend the legislature for their intentions.

The issue lies with the government trying to make medical decisions for its constituents, and unfortunately, Gov. Perry has started a trend of interference into the relationship of girls and their parents and women and their doctors.

We believe the government should remain uninvolved in people’s personal health decisions. Self-regulation has always been the best means for protecting against government involvement in any issue.

Governor Perry issued an executive order in 2007, requiring all sixth-grade girls to be vaccinated for a sexually transmitted disease that can cause cervical cancer. Republican lawmakers viewed the law as an infringement on personal and parental rights. Perry ultimately backed off the provision after backlash from within his own party.

Ironically, Republican lawmakers have shown little resistance to the sonogram law that, at its core, infringes on liberties much like Perry’s executive order.

A moral conflict arises when the views of Americans who oppose abortions clash with what the Supreme Court has previously said. The government should always uphold the law.

A day may come when the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade and then this debate will look completely different.

Until then, all women who are considering an abortion should have a sonogram performed first. But it should be at their own discretion, not the Texas Legislature’s.

Filed Under: Editorials Tagged With: Abortion

Other Opinion:

  • Skipping class is a drug

  • Athletics have a lack of traditions leading to low engagement from students

  • Directionless but encouraged: My experience on The College Tour’s film set

About Optimist Editorial Board

You are here: Home / Opinion / Editorials / Texas shouldn’t mandate sonograms

Other Opinion:

  • Skipping class is a drug

  • Athletics have a lack of traditions leading to low engagement from students

  • Directionless but encouraged: My experience on The College Tour’s film set

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
9h

BREAKING: Campus will be operating remotely in the morning. Any classes after 1 p.m. will be in person.

Reply on Twitter 1620939263557734401 Retweet on Twitter 1620939263557734401 Like on Twitter 1620939263557734401 Twitter 1620939263557734401
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
31 Jan

BREAKING: Campus will continue operating remotely Wednesday due to continued icy conditions.

Reply on Twitter 1620523455421779970 Retweet on Twitter 1620523455421779970 Like on Twitter 1620523455421779970 1 Twitter 1620523455421779970

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

4 days ago

The Optimist
ACU’s Alpha Psi Omega chapter raised money for the Living Waters Charity by putting on a show in the span of 24 hours. See more photos from our gallery: ... See MoreSee Less

Gallery: 24-Hour Musical tells the heartwarming story of Junie B. Jones - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

ACU’s Alpha Psi Omega chapter raised money for the Living Waters Charity by putting on a show in the span of 24 hours. This year, the department chose to perform the beloved children’s musical “...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

5 days ago

The Optimist
Greek Life has started a partnership with Campus Director, a software company that works with universities all over the country. Read more: ... See MoreSee Less

Student life implements new software, updates rushing process - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Greek Life has started a partnership with Campus Director, a software company that works with universities all over the country. The Campus Director software has an algorithm programmed to match rushe...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Optimist Newscast Jan. 25, 2023

Tune in to this week's newscast for a look at Greek Life rushing, the annual ... [Read More…]

  • Women’s tournament run ended by first-round exit against UTRGV
  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 22. 2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.16.2022

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Podcasts

© 2023 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved