The Texas House voted overwhelmingly Thursday to ban Democrats from holding powerful committee chairmanships, answering years of mounting pressure from leadership and grassroots conservatives to chip away at the minority party’s power in the Capitol.

Patients and doctors have said the ban's only exception is so vague and the penalties are so steep that providers are reluctant to perform emergency abortions.

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.