Saving the Unborn Just Got Harder: Sonogram Licensure Law in New Mexico
Probably the most effective means of demonstrating that the unborn is truly a person inside its mother’s womb is the use of a SONOGRAM. Formed faces, hands, limbs and feet can be seen shortly after conception.
The sonogram, also known as ultrasound, uses a wand to send and receive sound waves that create a computerized image that shows the baby in the womb.
This technology has been used in counseling pregnant women about their yet to be born child. The “Focus on the Family” organization alone budgeted $4.2 million in 2005 to make the machines available to pregnancy clinics.
On Monday, April 6, 2009, Governor Bill Richardson signed into law the nation’s only legislation making the use of a sonogram without a license illegal. In addition, the law disallows interpretation of what’s being seen. Sonographers cannot say, for example, “It’s a boy.”
Up to now, three national organizations have administered examinations and awarded credentials on a voluntary basis. Under the new law, a new level of bureaucracy will be created. It will be an eleven-member, Governor appointed, “Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Council.”
In addition to the educational cost of acquiring certification, there will be a $10.00 application fee followed by an initial fee of up to $150.00. That will be followed by on-going continuing education costs, plus a biennial fee of $100.00. Most medical imaging and radiation therapies, such as x-rays and radiation treatment for cancer, are regulated by the state. Sonograms up no now, have not been.
Pregnancy clinics throughout the country have used sonograms as part of an ongoing effort to save the lives of the unborn. The new state law makes delivering those services much more difficult and much more expensive.
Please continue to pray for the unborn.
God bless you this Good Friday.
Jose Vasquez