AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ A federal judge will hear arguments on whether to stop the state from enforcing a new Texas law that requires doctors to conduct a sonogram before performing an abortion.
The Center for Reproductive Rights has filed a lawsuit to stop the law from taking effect on Sept. 1. The law also requires doctors to show the sonogram to their patients and explain what they see, whether the woman wants to hear it or not.
Federal District Court Judge Sam Sparks is scheduled to hear the case Wednesday in Austin. The center argues that the law forces doctors to say things against their will, and that the law treats female patients differently than men.
Supporters say the law is necessary to make sure women fully understand what an abortion entails.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)