The latest measure to restrict abortions approved by the Texas Legislature is on its way to the same place where many other abortion restrictions have gone, to the courts, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Whole Woman's Health, the abortion provider which has successfully sued to block new requirements for clinics and for doctors, is now asking a federal judge to throw out a bill signed by Gov. Abbott which bans the practice of 'dilation and evacuation,' which is the most common method of surgical abortion.
It was the toughest anti abortion measure approved by lawmakers in the regular Legislative session.
"Politicians, not doctors, are pushing for these restrictions," Amy Hagstrom Miller, the President of Whole Woman's Health, told News Radio 1200 WOAI. "They undermine the ability of health care professionals to provide the type of individualized care which is right for each of our patients."
The Texas Legislature, since movement conservatives took over the body in 2012, and especially since the election of strongly pro life Gov. Greg Abbott in 2014, have been pushing for numerous abortion restrictions. More restrictions are on the agenda in the Special Session which began on Tuesday.
And even strong pro life advocates, such as Joe Pojman of the Texas Alliance for Life, say they doubt these new restrictions will withstand the legal challenge.
"We are going to do everything we can to keep that law in effect, but it will be a very tough row to hoe," Pojman said.