Sweeping Texas Anti-Abortion Bill Defeated in Dramatic Late Night Filibuster

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AUSTIN, Texas – After hours of legislative dramatics led by a 13-hour filibuster by State Sen. Wendy Davis, a bill that could have resulted in the closure of all but five women’s health clinics that provide abortions in the state was defeated in the very early hours of the morning as the legislative session closed. Hundreds of protesters filled the capitol to watch the filibuster and debate, and 170,000 viewers watched the session online.

“Last night women and men in Texas took a historic stand against political intrusion into a woman’s private decision-making,” said Jennifer Dalven, director of the ACLU’s Reproductive Freedom Project. “The people’s message was loud and clear that lawmakers should stop playing games with personal decisions about pregnancy. Women and families must make these decisions, not politicians.”

“The abuse of power never ended, but we were saved by brave senators, starting with Sen. Wendy Davis, who fought to the last,” said Terri Burke, executive director of the ACLU of Texas. “This is a victory for Texas women and families and all those who came out against this legislation. It’s a victory for the majority of Texans who want legislators to focus on critical issues like education, jobs, and the economy, not on limiting a woman’s right to access health care. The nation and the world were watching, and they now know what real Texans think and believe.”