AUSTIN — Texas women getting abortions would have to undergo an ultrasound — and choose whether to see the images or hear the fetal heartbeat — under a bill considered by state lawmakers Tuesday.

The controversial measure by Rep. Frank Corte, R-San Antonio, requires the doctor to do the ultrasound at least two hours before the abortion to make sure the woman "understands the nature and consequences of an abortion."

HB36, referred to as the "informed consent" or the "ultrasound bill," is expected to trigger the biggest abortion debate in the Texas Legislature since lawmakers passed parental consent in 2005.

Supporters say this is the top priority for abortion opponents this year.

"It’s patronizing to assume people don’t need or want this information," said Kyleen Wright, president of the Arlington-based Texans for Life Coalition. "Planned Parenthood wants it to be easy, breezy and dehumanized. We owe the women who have to live with this decision."

Opponents say this bill is not needed and is a clear example of politicians meddling in medical procedures.

"This is already such a terribly, terribly difficult choice to make," said Holly Morgan, director of communications for Planned Parenthood of North Texas. "They are using this to shame women who terminate their pregnancies. It’s incredibly unfair."

A similar bill in the Senate has been approved by committee but has yet to be considered by the full Senate.

The House version would require doctors to do the ultrasound, show the woman the image, let her hear the heartbeat and explain the fetus’s development. She would be able to "avert her eyes from the ultrasound images." The House State Affairs Committee left the bill pending.

Some of the arguments:

For: Supporters say it could save countless unborn babies’ lives.

"Women and young girls should not be effectively blindfolded as they are led into the abortion office," said Jonathan Saenz, director of legislative affairs at the Austin-based Free Market Foundation.

Cathie Adams, president of Texas Eagle Forum, a conservative Republican group in Dallas, said she has talked to many women who would have chosen not to have an abortion if they had seen a sonogram first.

"They did not have adequate information before making the life-and-death decision," Adams said. "Every other surgical procedure is preceded with all the information necessary to make a decision.  . . . Abortion should not be exempted from that requirement."

Against: Morgan said doctors at Planned Parenthood clinics already perform ultrasounds to determine the age of the fetus, and women can view the results.

She said Planned Parenthood works with women on what to do — have the baby and keep it or put it up for adoption, or have an abortion.

"We want to help her figure out what she wants to do and do it successfully," Morgan said. "With this bill, lawmakers are legislating in the arena of medical care.

"They are trying to force us to force them to view it."

Some medical groups have expressed concern that a woman’s right to refuse an ultrasound would be violated.