Saying they were “not willing to give up the fight,” 62 Texas House Republicans have asked Gov. Rick Perry to push for four abortion-related bills if he calls the Legislature into special session.
“In the struggle to defend life, we cannot take a day off — much less a legislative session,” the House members wrote in identical letters to Perry. “In the increasing likelihood of a special session, we ask that you exercise your constitutional power and add prolife bills to the call.”
The letters ask Perry to champion four bills, none of which were scheduled for a floor vote in either house:
• A ban on abortions after 20 weeks gestation based on medical studies, which are disputed by abortion advocates, indicating that a fetus can begin feeling pain at 20 weeks. Only 1.3 percent of abortions are performed after the proposed deadline.
• A requirement that abortion facilities be licensed as ambulatory surgical centers. Opponents said the bill was a poorly disguised attempt to close clinics, most of which offer only drug-induced abortions, by requiring them to make expensive upgrades. Sen. Bob Deuell, R-Greenville, countered that his bill was intended to better protect women’s health.
• A rule requiring doctors to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of an abortion facility.
• A ban ensuring that a health insurance exchange, an Affordable Care Act program to match people with private insurance, does not include abortion coverage.
“On these matters of life, the will of the people has been frustrated thus far in the regular session,” the letters said.
Among those sending letters: Reps. Tony Dale of Cedar Park, Marsha Farney of Georgetown, Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham and Jim Pitts of Waxahachie.
Thus far, Perry has been mum on his plans regarding a special session.
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