Texas Senate approves abortion bill

AUSTIN, Texas, May 3 (UPI) -- The Texas Senate has tentatively approved a bill that would force pregnant women to view ultrasound results before receiving abortions.

Senate Bill 920, which passed by a 21-8 vote, would require the doctor administering the abortion to perform the ultrasound and share the results with the pregnant woman, the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman reported Thursday.

State Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, proposed the legislation as an issue of women's health. He said 10 percent of women do not receive ultrasounds before having abortions, and that lack puts the woman's health at risk.

However, when asked by state Sen. Bob Deuell, R-Greenville, if he hoped the measure would cause women to reconsider whether to have abortions, he answered affirmatively.

State Sen. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen, questioned Patrick's motives.

"All you're trying to do is harass a woman," Hinojosa told Patrick. "It ought to be a doctor's decision, not yours or this body's. This is not your choice."

The bill is expected to pass a final vote and be sent to the state House.