Texas Dems stall session to approve abortion law
By Chris Tomlinson, Associated Press —
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Democrats are stalling the passage of new abortion restrictions by not arriving in time for the resumption of a House session to approve the proposed law.
After debating Senate Bill 5 until 3:30 a.m. Monday, the Democratic minority didn’t show up by 6:46 a.m. when the House was scheduled to reconvene.
Without the Democrats, the House cannot reach a quorum to approve the bill.
The measure would ban abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy, require doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals and limit abortions to surgical centers.
Supporters say the bill would improve women’s health care. Opponents warn it would shut down 37 out of 42 abortion clinics in the state.
The bill still must go to the Senate, where Democrats hope to filibuster it Tuesday.
