Written for The Texas Observer legislative blog "Floor Pass."

Photo by Beth Cortez-Neavel

This week marked the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and an estimated 3,000 Texans marched through downtown Austin on Saturday afternoon to protest the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed women the right to choose. The march ended with a Texas Rally for Life on the south steps of the Texas Capitol, where activists heard speeches from the most prominent politicians in the state. Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston) speaks about pro-life champion Abby Johnson’s accomplishments. Gov. Rick Perry told the crowd that during his tenure as governor, Texas has restricted abortions by passing laws requiring parental notification and consent for minors, and demanding women receive a sonogram and have the fetus described to them before the procedure. Read more.