Senate votes to add restrictions to judicial abortion process for minors
Following more than three hours of debate Monday, the Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill adding restrictions to the judicial bypass process used by minors to obtain abortions without parental consent.
House Bill 3994, sponsored by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, would establish a stricter standard of evidence and require a teen to pursue the bypass through a court in her district. The Senate approved the measure on a 21-10 vote, with senators voting along party lines.
"HB 3994 is to ensure the bypass process is as transparent and information filled as possible while protecting and helping our minors," Perry said during Monday's debate.
About 300 minors use the judicial bypass process, established in Texas in 1999, to obtain abortions each year.
Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/politics/texas/article/Senate-votes-to-add-restrictions-to-judicial-6285463.php
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