Texas Abortion Law 2013 - News Update: Gov. Rick Perry Signs Restrictive Abortion Bill Into Law

Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed one of the most restrictive abortion bills in the country into law on Thursday despite the storm of backlash from Democrats and women's rights advocates.

Surrounded by both Republican lawmakers and pro-life supporters, the Republican governor said that he was cementing "the foundation on which the culture of life in Texas is built upon," at the Texas Capitol in Austin, reports the New York Times. However, near the end his remarks, his voice was drowned out by chants and shouts from the bill's opponents who were gathered outside the auditorium.

The GOP-backed bill adds new restrictions on when, how and where women may get an abortion. In addition to banning abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy, the proposal requires doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals and limit abortions to surgical centers. In turn, opponents warn it will shut down 37 out of 42 abortion clinics in the state, and leave many women without access. Meanwhile, supporters claim the bill would improve women's health care.

Lawmakers debated the bill for more than 10 hours earlier this month, before voting on the Republicans' signature legislation. They approved the bill mainly along party lines with a 96-49 vote.

Last month, the measure failed to win enough support during the regular session, and then died in the first special session due to a 13-hour filibuster by Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth.

Republican leaders, including Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, are intent on passing the bill quickly through the Republican-controlled Legislature in a second special session, reports the AP. As a result, Dems can do little but slow the bill down, while attracting as much attention as possible and preparing a federal lawsuit to block it if it becomes law.