On second reading the Texas House by the vote of 81-to-63 has passed Senate Bill 8, also known as the Fetal Heartbeat Bill. The legislation would ban abortions after the detection of a fetal heartbeat. The bill also includes civil penalties for doctors and those assisting in abortions.
State Representative Shelby Slawson (R-Stephenville) sponsored the bill in the State House. “Upon detection of a heartbeat the physician is prohibited from knowingly performing or inducing an abortion, and can be held civilly liable unless there’s a medical emergency,” said Slawson as she rolled out the bill.
The passage of the bill fell along party lines. Democratic State Representative Donna Howard (D-Austin), a former registered nurse gave an emotional plea to reject the legislation. “There have always been abortions and there always will be.” said Howard. “What we’re talking about here is some specific actions that would be taken to obstruct access to a legal medical procedure.”
Two amendments were added to the bill by Slawson. One would bar civil action by the man that impregnates the woman. The second was designed to clean up some of the specific language. If the bill passes on third reading the legislation would have to go back to the Texas Senate for its approval of the amendments.