Texas' fetal tissue research questioned before court hearing
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Texas lawmakers are heaping new opposition on fetal tissue research ahead of a Houston court appearance for two anti-abortion activists who made undercover videos at Planned Parenthood.
A House panel Thursday signaled that Texas is likely to join other Republican-controlled states trying to impose new restrictions or outright bans on fetal tissue research. The Texas Legislature won't return until 2017 but Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has said he supports such measures.
Republicans across the U.S. embraced the proposals after undercover videos last year alleged Planned Parenthood sold fetal tissue for profit. Planned Parenthood says the videos were misleading.
A grand jury in January indicted two anti-abortion activists behind the videos on felony charges of using fake IDs to gain access to Planned Parenthood. They are expected back in court Friday.