Abortion clinics anxious for ruling in Texas trial

PAUL J. WEBER, Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A trial is wrapping up over new abortion restrictions that would leave only seven Texas facilities where women could legally end a pregnancy.

Closing arguments are Wednesday in Austin. Abortion providers want U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel to block new rules they say would stop abortions at more than a dozen clinics in Texas starting Sept. 1.

The law signed by Republican Gov. Rick Perry last year requires all Texas abortion facilities to meet more stringent hospital-style operational standards.

- FWBP Digital Partners -

The law would leave Texas with no abortion providers in the western half of the state. Abortion clinic owners say they don’t have the money to meet those new regulations, which they deem unnecessary.

However, Republicans who championed the law say they’re protecting women’s health.