On Mandated Transvaginal Ultrasound?

[Wags]

Source from washingtonpost (I can't post links yet apparently as I'm new here) said this: "Ron Paul likes limited government interference yet supports state-mandated sonograms"

I'm hoping someone can help me to understand this better as there's only one main source (above) I've encountered that talks about Ron's stance on this subject. Recently Virginia signed into law to have the transvaginal probe as a requirement for women seeking an abortion. Previously these were used to check up on possible irregularities of the reproductive system, sometimes for pregnant women wanting to make sure everything's alright.

Now, if I understand correctly, there was already a mandate in most states to use at least some kind of ultrasound before performing that kind of medical procedure, so that it can be performed as safely as possible. Am I correct? Just that until recently, most abortion clinics would not show images of the ultrasound to the patients, for whatever reasons.

The reasons that have been brought up to require the use this transvaginal ultrasound before an abortion are to due allowing for more safety and due to informed consent. The woman should have a clear idea of the procedure being performed on her, and on the fetus. Though Texas has taken it further and wants to require doctors to show the images of the ultrasound and describe the features of the fetus to the patient. I'm not so sure about that, mainly because it seems reasonable (even though I don't consider abortions to be reasonable) to allow the woman to opt out as opposed to forcing her to look at images and forcing doctors to speak about something that they may not wish to discuss. Plus, again, this ultrasound IS invasive.

But the source claiming that "Ron Paul likes limited government interference yet wants states to mandate a sonogram"only uses the word "sonogram" ... I assume they refer to the transvaginal ultrasound, but that's not entirely clear to me. It seems possible that he's only referring to a regular ultrasound. I have a hard time imagining him supporting something so literally forceful and invasive... as bad as abortion may be. This would only pile one crime on another.

If Ron Paul does support this, what do you make of it? It doesn't seem hypocritical of him in the sense that he still wants to leave these issues to the states. But there's the lingering notion in my head that he would sign to pass the invasive sonogram in his own state (which isn't immediately troubling to me as I live in Florida) and that sort of lessens my view of him. I still believe overwhelmingly that this country needs Ron Paul and needs to hear the ideals he voices, which reflect not only consistency but a strong moral compass. What are your thoughts about his stance on the issue?

[specsaregood]

If Ron Paul does support this, what do you make of it? It doesn't seem hypocritical of him in the sense that he still wants to leave these issues to the states. But there's the lingering notion in my head that he would sign to pass the invasive sonogram in his own state (which isn't immediately troubling to me as I live in Florida) and that sort of lessens my view of him. I still believe overwhelmingly that this country needs Ron Paul and needs to hear the ideals he voices, which reflect not only consistency but a strong moral compass. What are your thoughts about his stance on the issue?

Ron Paul thinks abortion is murder, as such I don't find it hypocritical of him to support measures that would make them less likely since it is unconstitutionally illegal for states to ban them as is.

[Feeding the Abscess]

If he supports mandated transvaginal ultrasounds, it is a massive contradiction in his philosophy. There is no way to dress it up and make it look nicer.

[PursuePeace]

It is an abdominal ultrasound.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/...ill/53401720/1

The ultrasound bill initially called for a vaginally invasive form of the examination. After Capitol Square protests, Democratic legislators accusing the bill's GOP backers of sanctioning "state-mandated rape" and being lampooned by Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, McDonnell had his party remove the "transvaginal ultrasound" requirement.

[PursuePeace]

If he supports mandated transvaginal ultrasounds, it is a massive contradiction in his philosophy. There is no way to dress it up and make it look nicer.

I totally agree.

[tod evans]

If he supports mandated transvaginal ultrasounds, it is a massive contradiction in his philosophy. There is no way to dress it up and make it look nicer.

Dr. Paul has tried again and again to differentiate between his personal beliefs and his duties as an elected official.

Somehow I can't see him signing legislation that would add more federal government no matter his personal beliefs.

[specsaregood]

If he supports mandated transvaginal ultrasounds, it is a massive contradiction in his philosophy. There is no way to dress it up and make it look nicer.

Not really. It is only "mandated" if you want to kill a baby in that state. If you want don't want to kill a baby in that state none is required.

[luctor-et-emergo]

For what I can remember;

As a doctor he advises women that want to get an abortion to get counceling and an ultrasound. And he does not perform abortions himself or assist in, just counseling into changing opinion I believe.
He thinks abortion is a violent crime, violent crimes are dealt with by the states individually, like murder, rape etc.
Ron Paul isn't for federal mandates, so I don't think he would support this. (states issue)

[Origanalist]

"Changing course after an unwelcome national uproar, the Virginia Senate adopted a revised bill on Tuesday that still requires doctors to perform an ultrasound on women before they have an abortion, but also says that women cannot be forced to have an invasive vaginal ultrasound."

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/29/us...pagewanted=all

This is a State issue.

[Massachusetts]

I hate to be so graphic, but how is this:

You will lie down on a table with your knees bent and feet in holders called stirrups. The health care provider will place a probe, called a transducer, into the vagina. The probe is covered with a condom and a gel. The probe sends out sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives these waves and uses them to create a picture. The doctor can immediately see the picture on a nearby TV monitor.

not a violation of your rights? I thought shoving something inside of a vagina that was not consented to was rape?

And mandating it? How can you pick and choose what is allowed to be mandated and what is not?

Like most other mandates, this mandate arguably had good intentions, but nowhere in the constitution does it say anybody can mandate anybody to have a stick shoved up their vagina.