Chron.com By Mike Ward Updated 6:57 pm, Wednesday, March 15, 2017
AUSTIN — High-profile legislation that would restrict the use of fetal tissue from elective abortions and prohibit so-called dismemberment abortions was approved Wednesday by the Texas Senate.
Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, said his Senate Bill 8 is designed to prevent the sale of fetal tissue from abortions. He said the move was spurred by videos of Planned Parenthood workers discussing tissue sales, which stirred a national controversy.
"Abortion is a human tragedy at every imaginable level, and it's unconscionable to think that anyone in this world would seek to profit from that pain," Schwertner said. "The people of Texas simply will not stand for unborn children being torn apart, monetized, and traded like some sort of perverse commodity."
Establishing a state ban on the sale of fetal tissue was a priority for both Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and was supported by prominent pro-life organizations including Texas Right to Life, the Texas Alliance for Life, the Texans for Life Coalition, and the Texas Catholic Conference, along with conservative GOP groups.
The second measure, Senate Bill 415 by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, would prohibit abortions where the fetus is dismembered. The procedure is illegal in seven states but not in Texas, supporters said.
"This is abortion by means of torture," said Sen. Donna Campbell, a New Braunfels Republican who, like Schwertner, is a doctor. "We are a civilized society. This is a barbaric procedure."
Both bills were approved in votes that crossed party lines after lengthy debate. Schwertner's bill was approved on a final vote, and will now go to the House for consideration; Perry's bill was tentatively approved, with final passage — usually a formality – expected within days.
More:
http://www.chron.com/local/texas-politics/texas-legislature/article/Texas-Senate-approves-two-abortion-bills-11004544.php
