Counterparties: Today's Best Links

The dome of the Capitol is reflected in a puddle in Washington February 17, 2012.REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Another debt ceiling debacle could sink the economy

Last year's Congressional debt standoff hurt consumer confidence more than the collapse of Lehman Brothers, Betsey Johnson and Justin Wolfers write. This time could be worse.  Read more at Counterparties  

Court orders enforcement of Texas abortion law

Related Topics

Fri Jan 13, 2012 5:47pm EST

(Reuters) - A federal appeals court on Friday ordered the immediate enforcement of a new Texas abortion law that requires pregnant women to listen to the fetal heartbeat while opponents continue their legal challenge against the measure.

The law, enacted in 2011, requires abortion providers to perform an ultrasound on pregnant women, show and describe the image to them, and play sounds of the fetal heartbeat.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit had overturned a federal judge's decision to block the law, ruling that the sonogram requirements do not infringe on abortion providers' free-speech rights.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott asked the appeals court on Thursday to expedite its order for the law's enforcement, which was scheduled to be issued on February 1. The appeals court granted Abbott's request in a one-sentence order on Friday.

The district court is scheduled to hear arguments on the constitutionality of the law on January 20.
U.S.
Health
We welcome comments that advance the story through relevant opinion, anecdotes, links and data. If you see a comment that you believe is irrelevant or inappropriate, you can flag it to our editors by using the report abuse links. Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of Reuters. For more information on our comment policy, see http://blogs.reuters.com/fulldisclosure/2010/09/27/toward-a-more-thoughtful-conversation-on-stories/
Comments (3)
ThinkFirst1 wrote:
Now this is the result of real Rick Perry leadership in the real world!

Not empty suits making self-serving campaign promises but boots-on-the-ground leadership that makes a difference.

Hello Santorum fans – this is why chief executive experience matters – you have no idea if Santorum can represent effectively for Christian (civilized) values as a chief executive – because he’s never tried.

Perry has been getting the job done, despite the lies and slander, for 11 years and through two re-elections.

How about we reward performance rather than promises?

Jan 13, 2012 5:12pm EST  --  Report as abuse
dharmacharm wrote:
So, in your mind, the ONLY civilized values are Christian values? What a small, small world you must live in. Are judgment and condescension also Christian values? You probably also believe that America was founded by Christians (it was not, look it up) as a Christian nation (it was not, look it up).

And by Perry not even making it to the GOP nomination, performance IS being rewarded, both justly and generously.

Jan 13, 2012 5:30pm EST  --  Report as abuse
mpower830 wrote:
Ah yes, more facist “our way or the highway” action from the compassionate Christian conservatives.

The day the religious right loses all influence on our decision makers is the day America moves towards real progress.

Jan 13, 2012 8:43pm EST  --  Report as abuse
This discussion is now closed. We welcome comments on our articles for a limited period after their publication.
See All Comments »