Texas Lawmakers Pass Sweeping Abortion Restrictions

The Texas Senate late Friday passed tough new abortion restrictions after weeks of protests, sending them to Gov. Rick Perry to sign into law. 

The vote came after weeks of protests and rallies drew thousands to the Capitol and made Texas the focus of the national abortion debate. 

Republicans used their majority to pass the bill nearly three weeks after a filibuster by Democratic Sen. Wendy Davis and an outburst by abortion-rights supporters in the Senate gallery disrupted a deadline vote.

Called back for a new special session by Perry, lawmakers took up the bill again as thousands of supporters and opponents held rallies and jammed the Capitol to testify at public hearings. 

In a statement released just after the vote, Perry said, "Today the Texas Legislature took its final step in our historic effort to protect life. This legislation builds on the strong and unwavering commitment we have made to defend life and protect women's health." 

Democrats, though, promised a fight in the courts.

Read the rest HERE and view a related video below:

If you like what you see, please "Like" us on Facebook either here or here.
Please follow us on Twitter here.