Rick Perry signs sweeping abortion restrictions into Texas law

WashingtonTimesFrom the Washington Times:

After a fight that attracted national attention, Texas Gov. Rick Perry Thursday signed an abortion law that is widely expected to result in the closing of numerous abortion clinics in the state and greatly reduce the number of late-term abortions.

The new law “builds upon our commitment to protecting life in the state of Texas,” Mr. Perry said at the signing ceremony in Austin, which was attended by some 100 state lawmakers.

Pro-life groups cheered the law, which was passed in a special legislative session after Democrat state Sen. Wendy Davis filibustered an earlier attempt to pass the bill in a performance that became an Internet sensation. Texas is the largest of a group of states that have passed far-reaching new laws to restrict abortions in recent months.

“This is a life-saving victory for Texas women and unborn children,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List.

The new law bans most abortions of fetuses 20 weeks and older — a time when some believe the unborn child can feel pain. It also adds more regulations on how abortion-inducing drugs can be taken.

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