Bill Would ID Judges Who Grant Teen Abortions

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AUSTIN (AP) - State lawmakers are considering a bill to reveal the names of judges who permit teens to terminate a pregnancy if they can't get required consent from their parents.

On Wednesday, a Texas House panel will hear Republican Rep. Ron Simmons' proposal that critics say would further politicize the election of judges.

State law since 1999 has allowed judges to grant abortions to girls younger than 18 in extreme cases. A separate bill that advanced to the House floor this week would tighten those requirements.

But the law also dictates that information on the cases — including the teens' names, how many such abortions are granted and by whom — is confidential. Simmons says his bill would ensure that judges "can be held accountable by the electorate."

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