Politics

Texas Gov. Perry Signs Abortion Restrictions Law

The fight is probably not over

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Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed sweeping new abortion restrictions on Thursday that could shutter most of the state's clinics that provide the procedure, a final step for the Republican-backed measure that has caused weeks of sometimes raucous protests at the Capitol.

Supporters credited God's will and prayer as the governor signed the legislation, with protesters' chants of "Shame! Shame! Shame!" echoing into the Capitol auditorium from the hallway. Opponents have vowed to fight the law, though no court challenges were immediately filed.

"Today, we celebrate the further cementing of the foundation on which the culture of life in Texas is built upon," Perry told an auditorium full of supportive Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists. "It is our responsibility and duty to give voice to the unborn individuals."