It took a while to get here, but Texas finally has its own preborn pain bill. The Preborn Pain Act was filed this morning by Collin County Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, and it would restrict abortions that would take place 20 weeks following fertilization. The entire bill is embedded below, but a taste:
(1) substantial medical evidence recognizes that an unborn child is capable of experiencing pain by not later than 20 weeks after fertilization;
(2) the state has a compelling state interest in protecting the lives of unborn children from the stage at which substantial medical evidence indicates that these children are capable of feeling pain;
It’s standard anti-abortion language, language that has been both supported by Governor Rick Perry and refuted by scientists. Similar bills have passed in Nebraska, Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Arizona and Louisiana, the Observer reported back in December. The bill has already earned the support of Texas Right to Life:
Our top #ProLife priority bill: Tx Preborn Pain bill was just filed in #txlege. HB2364 by Jodie Laubenberg.
— John Seago (@Johnseago) March 5, 2013
And some jeers:
Texas finally filed it’s 20 week abortion ban called “Texas preborn pain bill” I look forward to testifying against it #hb2364
— Molly Terry (@MollyTerry8) March 5, 2013
This obviously will not work itself out quickly. Jump for the whole bill:
HB02364I by
