AUSTIN -- A controversial bill that places restrictions on
abortions was passed by the Texas House on Wednesday and may go
to the full Senate as soon as Friday.  Today, the matter goes to
the Senate for a committee vote.  Amid scattered protests and
five arrests, the House voted 96-49 to approve restrictions that
would prohibit abortions after 20 weeks in the vast majority of
cases. It also would require abortion clinics to upgrade into
ambulatory surgical centers and demand that abortion doctors
have admitting privileges at hospitals.  Supporters say the
rules are meant to protect women, but opponents say they're
meant to greatly restrict legal abortions. Opponents say they
would close all but five of the state's 36 licensed clinics.
Marty Schladen  Whether supporters' goal was to protect women
has been the subject of heated debate over the past two days.
While arguing against the bill on Tuesday, state Rep. Raphael
Anchia, D-Dallas, said only 1.3 percent of abortions in Texas
are performed after 20 weeks