Texas to require burial or cremation of aborted fetuses
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas intends to require aborted fetuses to be buried or cremated under new rules following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down two of the state's most restrictive abortion laws.
A federal judge has blocked similar fetal remain requirements in Indiana as part of a preliminary injunction against a sweeping anti-abortion law signed by Republican Gov. Mike Pence.
But Texas is moving forward under orders from GOP Gov. Greg Abbott instead of waiting for lawmakers to pass a bill.
An Abbott spokeswoman said Thursday that talks began months before the proposed rules were quietly released for public comment this week. The new rules are expected to take effect in September.
Abortions in Texas plummeted in the first year under anti-abortion laws the high court threw out last week.