House to vote on new abortion rules

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas House is expected to vote on a bill Tuesday that would require doctors to perform a sonogram before providing an abortion.

The bill says a woman must be shown the sonogram and hear the fetal heartbeat while the doctor explains whether the fetus has arms or legs.

The woman may look away but must sign an affidavit that she heard the heartbeat and description.

A less stringent bill passed the Senate last month.

Gov. Rick Perry made the new abortion rules an emergency matter.

Proponents say the bill guarantees that doctors provide patients with necessary information.

Opponents say it interferes with the doctor-patient relationship and tries to shame women who seek an abortion.

If passed, the bill would move into conference committee.