During an hours-long Texas House debate this spring, far-right Representative Matt Schaefer pushed an amendment that would eliminate the fetal abnormality exception to the state ban on abortions after 20 weeks. “Why should a woman be forced to give birth to a baby that will die in birth?” asked Democratic Representative Rafael Anchia. “Because it’s a person created in the image of God,” Schaefer responded. That amendment proved a step too far for some anti-abortion lawmakers, and it was voted down. What
did pass is a sweeping anti-abortion law that includes a so-called dismemberment ban that prevents physicians from performing dilation and evacuation abortions — the most common second-trimester procedure — without first causing “fetal demise.” That provision was championed by anti-abortion group Texas Right to Life, which maintains that “Every life is a gift from God.” Also included in the new law is a requirement that fetal remains be buried after abortions, which is supported by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. READ MORE
