A republican in the Texas senate is proposing tighter rules for abortion facilities, a measure that some worry may force clinics to close.
Greenville Sen. Bob Deuell defended his bill on Tuesday as nothing more than protecting a woman's safety when she seeks an abortion. Senate Bill 537 would only allow ambulatory surgical centers to provide abortions, even if the woman is only taking the morning-after pill.
Abortion rights supporters complain the new tougher standard for clinics would cause many to shut down since they can't meet the higher standards. They say that rural and poor parts of the state will especially be affected.
Planned Parenthood calls the measure a back-door attempt to ban abortion across Texas. Anti-abortion groups, including Texas Right to Life, praised the proposed law.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.