Group Files Lawsuit Against Texas Sonogram Law

A reproductive rights group filed a lawsuit Monday, claiming the new law requiring doctors to perform a sonogram before an abortion violates first amendment rights and discriminates against women.

The Center for Reproductive Rights filed the lawsuit Monday and says the law forces doctors to deliver "politically motivated communications" to women.

The law requires a doctor to describe the fetus' features and allow women to hear the fetal heartbeat. Exemptions are allowed only cases of rape or incest and when the fetus has fatal abnormalities.

Catherine Frazier, a spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Perry, says Perry "believes the sonogram legislation is important to protect unborn life" in Texas.

The new law goes into effect Sept. 1.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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