On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court prohibited Texas from enforcing the new sonogram law that passed the Legislature last spring while the law is under the appeals process, according to The Texas Tribune. If upheld, the law would require women seeking an abortion to view a sonogram and listen to the heartbeat of the fetus at least 24 hours before the procedure. Attorney General Greg Abbott is appealing the U.S. district court’s August decision to strike down provisions of the law.

The Supreme Court’s ruling is another step toward ensuring the state does not infringe on women’s rights. The law is the state’s attempt to impose its moral convictions on Texans and would unnecessarily subject women who have already faced a difficult decision to more agony and trauma.

Moreover, this law is inconsistent with the state’s professed adherence to minimal government intrusion in private life.

Because of the uncertainty surrounding the constitutionality of the law, it is appropriate that the state not enforce it.

Printed on September 30, 2011 as: Sonogram law awaits appeal