Fight over abortion rights returns to Legislature

After his success in passing a 2011 law requiring women to undergo ultrasounds before an abortion, Republican Sen. Dan Patrick of Houston is once again pushing legislation to regulate the procedure — this time spelling out how doctors should dispense medications used to induce abortions.

Patrick says his proposal, Senate Bill 97, simply requires doctors to follow federal guidelines for use of the drugs, thus ensuring women’s safety. But critics say the bill is counter to best medical practices and intrudes on the doctor-patient relationship. The bill was the subject of a public hearing at the Capitol last week and is awaiting a vote in the Health and Human Services Committee.

The legislation is aimed at the drug known as Mifeprex, or RU-486, used in about 25 percent of the 77,000 Texas abortions in 2010. Drug-induced abortions are performed earlier in pregnancy than surgical methods and are not invasive, so some women prefer them.

Currently, no laws compel doctors to follow the federal Food and Drug Administration guidelines on abortion-inducing medication. That means doctors are allowed to prescribe it for “off-label” uses, as long as they meet the state’s standard of care. Many medical professionals use a method they say is safer and more effective, but Patrick and the bill’s supporters believe that practice is dangerous.

“The refusal to adhere to manufacturer guidelines is jeopardizing the safety of Texas women,” Patrick said.

More at http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/fight-over-abortion-rights-returns-to-legislature/nWfgd/ .