AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ A Democratic state senator has begun a filibuster to block passage of a proposal that would effectively close most abortion clinics in Texas.
Sen. Wendy Davis of Fort Worth began the filibuster at 11:18 a.m. CDT Tuesday. To derail a vote in the GOP-dominated Texas Senate, she must keep speaking on the bill until midnight _ the deadline for the end of the 30-day special session.
Rules stipulate she remain standing, not lean on her desk or take any breaks _ even for meals or to use the bathroom.
Combined, the package of measures _ including a ban after 20 weeks of pregnancy _ would represent wide-ranging, stringent abortion limits in the second-largest state.
In her opening remarks, Davis called efforts to pass the bill a “raw abuse of power.”
Click HERE for the link to the live telecast from the Texas Senate (Real Player is required).