New Texas Abortion Law...

loves2shop4shoes

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/05/20/texas.abortion.sonogram/index.html?hpt=T2

Thoughts?

lunarsongbird

Wow....



I'm pro-choice. Although at this point in my life- I don't think I could make that choice. That being said- I think it's up to the woman to choose if she wants to see the sonogram. I think it would be a pretty standard for a doctor to ask the patient why the decision was being made in order to provide additonal care if needed.

However, what if someone was getting an abortion out of medical necessity- was absolutely heartbroken about it- and then they are forced to see pictures of the baby they can't have? Sounds like torture.

bethsmiles

I don't really see how it will "humiliate"who women choose to get an abortion. I don't really have a problem with the required sonogram or explanation of development as long as everything is presented in a professional/medical manner and not in a "I'm trying to guilt you into not doing this" sort of way. There are exemptions that seem fair.

Honestly, is it a pain? Yes. Do I think it violates anoyone's rights? No.

sapphirebaby926

I think it's cruel. Making that decision is hard enough as it is and then forcing women to see the fetus and hear a heartbeat just makes it even worse. All this law is doing is trying to guilt women into not getting an abortion.

I'm pro-choice BTW

SKP82

I think this is horrible.  Even if there are exemptions, what if you don't want to admit to being raped or a victim of incest? 

And even if you don't qualify for the exemption, I think it is still unnecessary.  The choice for a woman to have an abortion is bad enough without having to view a sonogram of her unborn baby.

This is going to sound really harsh, and I realize I am going to get flamed for it, but I feel more women should consider abortion for unplanned pregnancy.  Specifically for those who cannot support said child.  I volunteered as a guardian ad litem and there are waaaay too many kids out there whose parents can't take care of them.  Many of these children end up in horrible situations that they never asked to be in. 

I understand that if you have sex, you should deal with the consequences of your actions, but for many people, that just doesn't happen and the children become the ones who are hurt in the process.

I agree with a woman's right to choose.  I think more women should take that choice into consideration and I don't believe they should have to be subjected to additional trauma for doing the thing that is right for them.

loves2shop4shoes

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_new-texas-abortion-law?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:e7852d1a-e74a-4255-ad27-7da2dd1b6262Post:aae0f0df-97cb-4362-9414-136c3a64fd30">Re: New Texas Abortion Law...</a>:
[QUOTE]I think it's cruel. Making that decision is hard enough as it is and then forcing women to see the fetus and hear a heartbeat just makes it even worse. All this law is doing is trying to guilt women into not getting an abortion. I'm pro-choice BTW
Posted by sapphirebaby926[/QUOTE]

<div>I could have written this myself.  I think it's cruel and unnecessary.  And I really don't see how why the government of Texas is wasting its time passing this legislation when there are so many more pressing issues on society.</div><div>
</div><div>I wonder if this law would hold up before the Supreme Court.  I know it would ultimately turn on the "undue burden" test...and of course Scalia and Thomas would vote to uphold it...but I wonder about the others.  Oh Constitutional Law.</div>

Peaseblossom55

I'm pro choice, though i don't think it's something personally for me. I'd have to imagine coming to that decision is hard enough. Then be forced through a sonogram, seems to add anotherl emotional layer on to it to make the woman perhaps feel even worse about their decision or guilty even.  I don't think having an abortion should be harder than it already may be.

Elle1036

I think this kind of legislation suggests that women seeking abortions haven't already throught through their options.  Sheesh.  Of course, any woman making such a choice must be doing it rashly and, surely, if she knew all the facts she would reconsider.

Gov. Perry is an asshat, and this is despicable. 

marleylikeair

WTH. There are so many things wrong with this, I don't know where to start. I will say that I think it's incredibly patronizing. "We think you don't fully understand the consequences of your choice, so we're going to require you under law to look at a picture of it first, sweetheart." As if women make a decision like this lightly.

Also, the article says there are exceptions for cases of sexual assault or incest. So...apart from what SKP said about not wanting to have to declare this, which is a very good point...are they going to make the woman prove in court that she was raped or that the act was incest? Because it's really, really, hard to prove you were raped.

This makes me so dam*ed angry. I could go on and on. I'm going to stop here, though.

sparkles88

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_new-texas-abortion-law?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:e7852d1a-e74a-4255-ad27-7da2dd1b6262Post:aae0f0df-97cb-4362-9414-136c3a64fd30">Re: New Texas Abortion Law...</a>:
[QUOTE]I think it's cruel. Making that decision is hard enough as it is and then forcing women to see the fetus and hear a heartbeat just makes it even worse. All this law is doing is trying to guilt women into not getting an abortion. I'm pro-choice BTW
Posted by sapphirebaby926[/QUOTE]

Agreed. I also find the 24 hour minimum waiting period unnecessary. So now a patient has to pay for two office visits (in addition to the procedures), which may not be covered under their insurance, if they even have any insurance. I think it will definitely make it a lot more difficult for women to access abortion services, due to the cost increase. If a woman can barely afford an abortion, how can she afford to raise a child?

SeaTea02

I think the 24-hr waiting period is a PITA. It makes the woman have to come back and it is especially difficult if they have to travel to the clinic because there isn't one in the area. It is intentionally making the process more difficult. 

I don't think the sonogram in a bad idea, honestly. With the new abortion pill which basically reduces an abortion down to a bad period, some individuals need to understand the gravity of their decision rather than dehumanizing it. 

Further, it is Texas. This is to be expected. As a republican, I would never live in CA. I know you don't have a choice where you are born and not everyone has the opportunity to get out, but for the most part, people don't stay in the state they were born in. 

ravenray

I am perfectly ok with it.  I feel that sometimes women don't think about what they are doing, more that they just need to take care of a "problem," that really makes me upset.  I know this isn't the case with all women, but I don't feel like this should be a sterile, "Feel good" process.  You are killing a child (I know everyone doesn't agree) I don't think you should walk out of an operating room with a dry eye. I think the 24 hour waiting period is to help women who have been pressured into doing it, rethink.  IDK. I see nothing wrong with it.  Honestly, it is in Texas, if you don't like it, don't live there.  If you really don't want to feel any guilt about it go out of state to have it done.

luvdncn90

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_new-texas-abortion-law?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:e7852d1a-e74a-4255-ad27-7da2dd1b6262Post:132f1daf-1165-4287-a3cf-5c5b7b506c31">Re: New Texas Abortion Law...</a>:
[QUOTE]I am perfectly ok with it.   <strong>I feel that sometimes women don't think about what they are doing, more that they just need to take care of a "problem,"</strong> that really makes me upset.   I know this isn't the case with all women, but I don't feel like this should be a sterile, "Feel good" process.   You are killing a child (I know everyone doesn't agree) I don't think you should walk out of an operating room with a dry eye. I think the 24 hour waiting period is to help women who have been pressured into doing it, rethink.   IDK. I see nothing wrong with it.   Honestly, it is in Texas, if you don't like it, don't live there.   If you really don't want to feel any guilt about it go out of state to have it done.
Posted by ravenray[/QUOTE]

I'm going to disagree with this statement, of course there are shitty people out there who are going to think this way, but a lot of women seriously consider they're choice and don't take it lightly.

Abortion is a serious thing and the choice to terminate a pregnancy is a personal choice that a lot of women struggle with and to be shown a picture may make their choice even harder. It's almost like they're trying to make women feel guilty for their choice. Not everyone agrees with abortion and that's fine but why make a womans decision even harder then it already is. Most women who get an abortion know what it entails, know the choice they are making, and know that it is a hard choice, they don't need to be forced to see a sonogram and make it even harder then it has to be.

zipis1

I think it's bullsh*t. Period. These women have already thought it though and don't need someone trying to push it on them further. It's telling these women that they're too dumb to understand anything that's going on with their body.

jdrose5

Interesting, honestly I can see positive and negative in it.  I am pro-life btw. 

One there are the exemptions (like if there is a genetic issue with the baby they don't have to see the problem with the baby, that would be horrible.)   I agree that many women who are victims of rape are not going to want to declare that.   So while I like that exemption that is a valid point.   Another poster mentioned are they going to have to prove they were raped.  SADLY there is a politician out there that wants that for all victims of rape to be able to get an abortion.  In order for federal funds to be used for an abortion you have to be a victim of rape or incest.  So this idiot (again I am pro-life) wants women to PROVE with bruises they were raped.   Hello you can be raped and not beaten.  What about women that are date raped with date rape drugs?  They don't have bruises but blood tests can verify they were drugged.   Get real that is just insane.  

I like the 24 hour waiting period but understand the burden that can put on a woman.  Here you can get the counseling at a planned parenthood clinic near you wait 24 hours and then drive to the one clinic in the state the does abortion.  So distance shouldn't be an issue. However not sure all states are like mine.  Many states require counseling and that is built into the price of the abortion.

i just don't see that this will change someone's mind.  If the 24 hour wait doesn't then why would this?   So I think it is just tacking on guilt and expense.  

jdrose5

Oh and I meant to add the one upside I see is when women lie to the Dr and say they are not as far along as they are or don't know how far along they are.  This way the Dr can make sure they preform the right procedure for the stage of development.  So that can be a good thing in making abortion a little safer.  I am sure those situations are not that common. 

sapphirebaby926

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_new-texas-abortion-law?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:e7852d1a-e74a-4255-ad27-7da2dd1b6262Post:132f1daf-1165-4287-a3cf-5c5b7b506c31">Re: New Texas Abortion Law...</a>:
[QUOTE]I am perfectly ok with it.   <strong>I feel that sometimes women don't think about what they are doing, more that they just need to take care of a "problem,</strong>" that really makes me upset.   I know this isn't the case with all women, but I don't feel like this should be a sterile, "Feel good" process.   You are killing a child (I know everyone doesn't agree) I don't think you should walk out of an operating room with a dry eye. I think the 24 hour waiting period is to help women who have been pressured into doing it, rethink.   IDK. I see nothing wrong with it.  <strong> Honestly, it is in Texas, if you don't like it, don't live there.</strong>   If you really don't want to feel any guilt about it go out of state to have it done.
Posted by ravenray[/QUOTE]

1.) I strongly disagree with this statement. While it may be true for a small portion of women it is not the case with most women who are facing this decision. It is a heartwrenching decision to make and to really believe that those who choose to have an abortion are of the mindset that they are 'just taking care of a problem' upsets me. It is not a feel good process.

2.) I live in Texas and like it here but just because they make a law doesn't mean I should just lie down and take it. I shouldn't have to move from my home just because some idiots pass a law I oppose.

Elle1036

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_new-texas-abortion-law?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:e7852d1a-e74a-4255-ad27-7da2dd1b6262Post:b66d1cb0-6416-4dae-92a0-39dc9e317578">Re: New Texas Abortion Law...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: New Texas Abortion Law... : 1.) I strongly disagree with this statement. While it may be true for a small portion of women it is not the case with most women who are facing this decision. It is a heartwrenching decision to make and to really believe that those who choose to have an abortion are of the mindset that they are 'just taking care of a problem' upsets me. It is not a feel good process. 2.)<strong> I live in Texas and like it here but just because they make a law doesn't mean I should just lie down and take it. I shouldn't have to move from my home just because some idiots pass a law I oppose.</strong>
Posted by sapphirebaby926[/QUOTE]

Yes, thank you Saph.


Also, Zipis, you do know that I'm incredibly fond of you, right?

leia1979

For some reason this statement bothers me:
Women seeking abortions also are exempt if the fetus has been found to have an irreversible medical condition that will cause a disability.

So if you're going to have a baby that will make your life difficult because it isn't normal, it's okay, but if the baby will make your life difficult because you can't afford to raise a child or aren't ready to do so, we're going to make you jump through hoops.

My other concern is cost. Who's paying for this extra procedure? If someone can barely afford an abortion and certainly can't afford a child, are they going to burden them with an additional cost? Or are the state taxpayers going to be burdened with the cost (which I doubt, since Republicans are generally anti-tax).

Elle1036

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_new-texas-abortion-law?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:e7852d1a-e74a-4255-ad27-7da2dd1b6262Post:63229055-84de-40b2-ad1c-92f5ccc010a0">Re: New Texas Abortion Law...</a>:
[QUOTE]For some reason this statement bothers me: Women seeking abortions also are exempt if the fetus has been found to have an irreversible medical condition that will cause a disability.<strong> So if you're going to have a baby that will make your life difficult because it isn't normal, it's okay, but if the baby will make your life difficult because you can't afford to raise a child or aren't ready to do so, we're going to make you jump through hoops.</strong> My other concern is cost. Who's paying for this extra procedure? If someone can barely afford an abortion and certainly can't afford a child, are they going to burden them with an additional cost? Or are the state taxpayers going to be burdened with the cost (which I doubt, since Republicans are generally anti-tax).
Posted by leia1979[/QUOTE]

Yessssssss.  People keep making such great points.  All I need to do on this thread is applaud.

desertsun

I think it's a bad law, regardless of whether you're pro-choice or pro-life.

A woman who was raped doesn't have to see a sonogram or hear about a heartbeat or limbs, but a woman who wasn't does have to? 

Seems to me to violate equal protection?

SopChick

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_new-texas-abortion-law?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:e7852d1a-e74a-4255-ad27-7da2dd1b6262Post:63229055-84de-40b2-ad1c-92f5ccc010a0">Re: New Texas Abortion Law...</a>:
[QUOTE]For some reason this statement bothers me: Women seeking abortions also are exempt if the fetus has been found to have an irreversible medical condition that will cause a disability.
Posted by leia1979[/QUOTE]
This statement really bothers me too. As someone who works with individuals with disabilities full-time, I understand how exhausting, frustrating, etc it can be. I also have some anecdotal experience from the parental side (paperwork, doctors, bs political crap, etc) through various family members. Some of the most important and influential people in my life would have never been around had their parents decided to terminate the pregnancy because they were "defective". It's a person, not a toaster... you don't get to take it back because it isn't "normal". It is such a blanket exemption, covering so many possible conditions.

That being said, I don't think anyone should have to live in a situation where they are unwanted or resented. It's not healthy for any party involved. I would be much happier to see prenatal care and adoption services provided for people in that situation who don't have the means or desire to take on the challenge of having a child with a disability.


As far as the whole issue at hand is concerned, I think the number of people who will still have an abortion just with more guilt attached will outweigh the number of women who will actually change their minds.

loves2shop4shoes

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_new-texas-abortion-law?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:e7852d1a-e74a-4255-ad27-7da2dd1b6262Post:030cfeec-1363-4229-9e9c-a871fc5b8b45">Re: New Texas Abortion Law...</a>:
[QUOTE]I think it's a bad law, regardless of whether you're pro-choice or pro-life. A woman who was raped doesn't have to see a sonogram or hear about a heartbeat or limbs, but a woman who wasn't does have to?  Seems to me to violate equal protection?
Posted by desertsun[/QUOTE]

I agree with you.  But no, it doesn't violate equal protection because women who are rape victims vs. regular women are not a protected or otherwise "suspect" class.

If anything, it'd violate 14th Amendment Due Process, but that's another conversation.

becunning2

I disagree with the contention of "if you don't like it, move."  But if Texas thinks that, it can totally secede and go about its business protecting America from the flood of Illegal Immigrants and forcing women to have children while refusing to fund social services to help those mothers raise their children to be productive members of society.

Grr!

And another GRRRR (politics tend to make me bust out soap boxes... maybe I should avoid political threads)...

My state (Kansas, where I wasn't born but have spent most of my life, and it's very much home to me, and I love my liberal hometown) is passing bills removing the right for insurance companies to pay for abortions as part of regular coverage in their insurance policy.  Talk about small government.  And get this, women who want to can purchase a special additional insurance rider can have their abortions covered.  A Kansas state legislature actually suggested that women "plan ahead" in the case that they are RAPED because, you know, he has a spare tire in his car in case he gets a flat.

I'm not kidding.

This is happening almost everywhere across the country.  If you don't like it, write your state government.  (Though with my governor, he's as likely to burn my letters as he is to actually consider that a woman differs from his viewpoint).

*stomps around her soap box, growling*

heyimbren

I'm okay with sonograms before abortions. I'm very much pro-life, and I am in no way ashamed of that. It's obviously a very difficult choice- but I think seeing this is part of that hard choice. Now, to be fair, I'm not nearly as familiar with American laws and politics so I can't comment on it that much.

desertsun

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_new-texas-abortion-law?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:e7852d1a-e74a-4255-ad27-7da2dd1b6262Post:691f27c6-3044-4ce2-9f46-6c1a0a8049af">Re: New Texas Abortion Law...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: New Texas Abortion Law... : I agree with you.  But no, it doesn't violate equal protection because women who are rape victims vs. regular women are not a protected or otherwise "suspect" class. If anything, it'd violate 14th Amendment Due Process, but that's another conversation.
Posted by loves2shop4shoes[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I almost mentioned due process, too. :)</div><div>
</div><div>I am not a law student like you, Shoes, but I thought that the "suspect class" thing affects the <em>level</em> of scrutiny the Supreme Court applies to laws. Laws involving a suspect class demand more scrutiny. But any law that seems to violate that "No state shall...deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws" could potentially be brought to the Supreme Court. Just seems like there might be an argument there that the Texas law doesn't apply equally or something.
</div><div>
</div><div>But again, I'm not a lawyer. Not even a poli sci major, just a minor back in my college days. :)</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>

loves2shop4shoes

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_new-texas-abortion-law?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:e7852d1a-e74a-4255-ad27-7da2dd1b6262Post:bb67f259-916d-43c5-b403-4a974736e93a">Re: New Texas Abortion Law...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: New Texas Abortion Law... : I almost mentioned due process, too. :) I am not a law student like you, Shoes, but I thought that the "suspect class" thing affects the level of scrutiny the Supreme Court applies to laws. Laws involving a suspect class demand more scrutiny. But any law that seems to violate that "No state shall...deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws" could potentially be brought to the Supreme Court. Just seems like there might be an argument there that the Texas law doesn't apply equally or something. But again, I'm not a lawyer. Not even a poli sci major, just a minor back in my college days. :)
Posted by desertsun[/QUOTE]

Right you are, Desert!  Suspect class yields automatic strict scrutiny whereas non-suspect classes usually leans more towards rational basis test or "rational basis with teeth" as they say.  I was just too lazy to get into that analysis.

Not bad at all for a polisci minor, lol.

ravenray

I know most of you disagree with me.  That is ok. I started most of those statements with I feel, which means you are free to disagree with me.  I can see how you aren't going for the Texas thing.  But I really understand I am a Republican living in CA.  Ya talk about laws I don't agree with. And you are right I haven't moved.  I guess that was a bad statement, my apologies.  You must understand that I am very pro-life, and as most of you are not, you are going to disagree with 99% of what I say. To me that is what I see abortion as, getting rid of something unwanted, you all may feel differently, but I don't see how killing human life because you don't have the money to raise a child, have your career going, or the child might possible be defected (I know the law provides a prevision, I don't like that either) makes it ok.  If I had my way abortion would be illegal, but it isn't so I have to deal with it, but it also means I will speak out against it. 

peekaboo2011

Wow.  Apparently the House and Senate are full of asshats too.  

This is quite possibly one of the most assinine laws I've seen in a while.  And I lived in a state where it was illegal to go shopping before 1pm on Sundays.  The humiliation associated with abortion in the first place is huge.  And to be quite honest, the last thing that I would ever want to deal with if I were to find myself in this situation is some stupid doctor patronizing me and telling me every last piece of the child and showing me pictures.  Yes, I get it.  We're killing a child.  But at the same time, that child deserves more than I could ever do for it right now.

Abortion is what it is.  I'm not for using it as birth control.  That's gross misuse.  But, seriously, if you can't afford the child, don't have it.  I know that if I were to get pregnant tomorrow, I'd get an abortion.  I can't afford a baby.  And I know that I would never be able to carry a child to term and then give it to another family.  I'm not built that way.  But it's still my RIGHT to choose.  And generally, a woman understands the gravity of the situation and has no need to be patronized for it.  Hell, I'd probably sue and take it to supreme court if it happened and I was in TX.  Because that is unnecessary distress that you are putting a woman in.

And it's unreasonable to expect people to move because they disagree with laws.  Although if something like this goes federal, remind me to move to Europe.  Or, Canada.  Seriously, I'm peacing the eff out.

jemmini6

Raven- I'm honestly curious about your perspective, so I don't want you to feel like I'm attacking you or anything, but you think that everyone who has an abortion is getting rid of something unwanted, correct?  And if you had it your way, abortion would be illegal and everyone that got pregnant would be forced to carry a baby, right?

So for someone who is homeless, on drugs, an alcoholic, has AIDS, etc should be forced to bring a child into this world under those conditions?  Or even to the less extreme, a 15 year old girl who was never taught about contraceptives (because most pro-lifers don't want to teach about how to prevent pregnancy either) should be forced to be pregnant?  Or what about someone who just never wanted to be a mother got pregnant, should she be forced to have a baby?  Do you really think that people who don't want to be pregnant would take their prenatal vitamins, that they'd refrain from drinking/smoking?  Do you really think that outlawing abortion would stop people from having them?  Or would stop people from just throwing the newborn in the dumpster?  Is that better than a safe, medical abortion?  What about the woman who microwaved her 28 day old baby because she was on drugs and decided she didn't want the baby afterall?  Is that better than if she'd just had an abortion?

Not only that, even if someone did decide to keep it, or even give it up for adoption, who is going to pay for the medical bills for her to be pregnant?  My sister recently had a baby without health insurance....just her labor & delivery bill from the hospital was over $15,000, that didn't include a single ultrasound or doctor visit during her pregnancy.  Are you personally going to pay that for every woman who gets pregnant, but can't get an abortion because you think it should be illegal?  What about the costs of raising a baby?  It costs on average $22,000 per year to raise a child.  Are YOU going to pay for it?  I mean you personally, are you going to hand over a check to every single woman who wasn't allowed to get an abortion (per your wishes) to help raise her child?  I don't think so.

I understand your feelings about unborn children, but really, what makes you think you have the right to tell another woman what to do with her body?  And what makes you think that other people feel the same way?  People who are pro-life aren't really that at all...you are just anit-choice.  If you don't want to have an abortion, don't have one...that's still a CHOICE, but don't pretend to know all the circumstances in which in might be the right choice for someone else.


Aside from all that, I think this law is ridiculous.  I'm all for people making an educated choice and knowing all their options, but this law is just trying to make more and more hoops to jump through and more and more expense to getting an abortion.  I don't think the reason behind it is to make people more educated about their choice, I think it's to put it out of reach for people.  And if someone can't afford the costs associated with getting a sonogram and abortion, then how the hell are they going to afford having a baby and raising a kid?  Aside from the financial ramifications of that, it's just plain cruel.

SKP82

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_new-texas-abortion-law?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:e7852d1a-e74a-4255-ad27-7da2dd1b6262Post:9a648edc-f4b1-41bd-8e4f-9bb04f80fcc0">Re: New Texas Abortion Law...</a>:
[QUOTE]So for someone who is homeless, on drugs, an alcoholic, has AIDS, etc should be forced to bring a child into this world under those conditions?  Or even to the less extreme, a 15 year old girl who was never taught about contraceptives (because most pro-lifers don't want to teach about how to prevent pregnancy either) should be forced to be pregnant?  Or what about someone who just never wanted to be a mother got pregnant, should she be forced to have a baby?  Do you really think that people who don't want to be pregnant would take their prenatal vitamins, that they'd refrain from drinking/smoking?  Do you really think that outlawing abortion would stop people from having them?  Or would stop people from just throwing the newborn in the dumpster?  Is that better than a safe, medical abortion?  What about the woman who microwaved her 28 day old baby because she was on drugs and decided she didn't want the baby afterall?  Is that better than if she'd just had an abortion? Not only that, even if someone did decide to keep it, or even give it up for adoption, who is going to pay for the medical bills for her to be pregnant?  Are you personally going to pay that for every woman who gets pregnant, but can't get an abortion because you think it should be illegal?  What about the costs of raising a baby?  It costs on average $22,000 per year to raise a child.  Are YOU going to pay for it?  I mean you personally, are you going to hand over a check to every single woman who wasn't allowed to get an abortion (per your wishes) to help raise her child?  I don't think so. I understand your feelings about unborn children, but really, what makes you think you have the right to tell another woman what to do with her body?  And what makes you think that other people feel the same way?  People who are pro-life aren't really that at all...you are just anit-choice.  If you don't want to have an abortion, don't have one...that's still a CHOICE, but don't pretend to know all the circumstances in which in might be the right choice for someone else.Posted by jemmini6[/QUOTE]

All of this.