AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals may have ruled that Texas can implement a new abortion law, but that doesn’t mean the law will be enforced anytime soon.
The law requires doctors to conduct a sonogram before performing an abortion, make the image viewable, play the fetal heartbeat and describe the fetus.
Doctors have challenged the law. At issue is how much the state can control what a doctor tells their patient. The law’s supporters say it is necessary to make sure a woman fully understands what an abortion entails.
The appeals court said the law can go into effect January 31st, unless the doctors appeal. The judge hearing the case has scheduled arguments for January 20th. If he determines the law is unconstitutional, the law will remain on hold.
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