The bill also contains a controversial provision that says it cannot be challenged in state court before it is enforced. It goes now to the House for a full vote.

Medical emergency is the only exception to Texas’ abortion ban passed three years ago; there is none for rape, incest and fetal anomalies.

Three years ago, Dr. Austin Dennard left Texas for an abortion after her fetus was diagnosed with a fatal condition. She later testified in a lawsuit how the state's near-total ban on abortion put her health at risk.