By Chuck Lindell | Tuesday, August 30, 2011, 05:58 PM
A federal judge todday blocked Texas from enforcing a new law that will require women to receive a sonogram, and hear about its results, at least 24 hours before receiving an abortion.
U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks issued a preliminary injunction after finding that portions of the sonogram law, set to take effect Sept. 1, were unconstitutionally vague and violated the First Amendment by improperly requiring doctors and patients to engage in government-mandated speech.
“The act compels physicians to advance an ideological agenda with which they may not agree, regardless of any medical necessity, and irrespective of whether the pregnant women wish to listen,” Sparks wrote.
Attorney General Greg Abbott immediately filed notice that he intends to appeal the ruling.
