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Bill on Link Between Abortion, Breast Cancer Stirs Debate

Planned Parenthood clinical assistant Nicki Bailey discusses the new abortion laws with a patient in Austin.
Eric Schlegel for the Texas Tribune
Planned Parenthood clinical assistant Nicki Bailey discusses the new abortion laws with a patient in Austin.

State law requires Texas physicians to inform women having an abortion that the operation may increase their risk of breast cancer.

But State Rep. Sarah Davis (R-West University Place), a survivor of the disease, wants to stop the mandate through a bill she’s authored.

"It’s not being about being pro-life. It's not being about pro-choice. It’s about giving scientifically accurate information," she said in her testimony.

The National Cancer Institute does not support the idea that there’s a link between breast cancer and abortion. But Tama Chunn, a member of Life Advocates in Houston, does.

"It’s a disgrace that we would want to hide facts and information from women. If we want an informed choice, then this is information," Chunn said.

Lawmakers will now decide if the bill moves to the House floor.