AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – A measure in Texas that threatens doctors with prison time if they don’t try saving the lives of infants born during attempted abortions has won approval in the Republican-controlled Senate.
The bill passed Tuesday is similar to a measure that recently failed in the U.S. Senate. House Republicans in Congress last week also began a long-shot drive to force a vote .
Doctors could face a fine and two to 10 years in prison under the Texas bill. Opponents say births during attempted abortions are extremely rare and that laws protecting newborns already exist.
Republican Sen. Lois Kolkhorst says her bill strengthens current law.
Another abortion-related bill passed by the Senate this year takes aim at a $1 lease the city of Austin has with a Planned Parenthood center.
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