New York Times Columnist Nicholas Kristof On Texas's New Abortion Law

The New York Times: When States Abuse Women, by Nicholas D. Kristof:

HERE’S what a woman in Texas now faces if she seeks an abortion.

 Under a new law that took effect three weeks ago with the strong backing of Gov. Rick Perry, she first must typically endure an ultrasound probe inserted into her vagina. Then she listens to the audio thumping of the fetal heartbeat and watches the fetus on an ultrasound screen.

She must listen to a doctor explain the body parts and internal organs of the fetus as they’re shown on the monitor. She signs a document saying that she understands all this, and it is placed in her medical files. Finally, she goes home and must wait 24 hours before returning to get the abortion. . . .