Abbott backs Hughes bill clarifying life-of-the-mother exception in abortion law

Reporters asked Governor Greg Abbott whether he supports pending bills that focus on exceptions in abortion law for the life of the mother. Abbott said he is familiar with the Hughes bill and that its central purpose is to clarify that doctors can and must act to preserve the mother's life.

"The life of the mother matters, and the life of the mother must be preserved and saved," Abbott said, describing the measure as intended to provide clarity about medical action when necessary. He said the bill addresses misconceptions about how the law is intended to work and aims to ensure doctors can "do what is necessary to save the life of the mother."

The questioner referenced bills filed by Senator Hughes and Representative Karen and raised concerns about deaths and other questions that prompted the proposed legislative clarification. Abbott's remarks in the transcript do not describe legislative text or procedural timing for the Hughes bill; the transcript contains no direct quotes from Hughes, Rep. Karen, or health-care providers.