“I think it’s clear, but I’m also open to the idea that some doctors don’t see it that way, some hospitals don’t think that way,” said Patrick, a Republican who presides over the Texas Senate. “We don’t want to stand in the way of that, but we’re not going to open it up so that abortion is prevalent again in the state.”

Patrick is the first major Republican official in Texas to say he supports clarifying the state's near-total abortion ban this legislative session.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to ensure doctors "are not in fear of being penalized" if they believe a mother's life is in danger.