Texas Lawmaker Trying to Kill Abortion Bill With Filibuster

A Texas lawmaker is trying to keep sweeping new abortion restrictions from taking effect in the state, but she'll have to stay on her feet for about 13 hours to be successful. Democrat Wendy Davis began a filibuster at 11:18am local time and needs to make it until midnight. At that point, the state senate's special session ends, and the vote will be derailed, reports AP. (You can watch a live feed in in the video gallery.)

Davis, 50, cannot sit or even lean on a desk at any point in the filibuster, reports NBC-Dallas/Fort Worth. Colleagues can help by taking the floor to ask questions so she can rest her voice, but even then Davis must remain standing or walking. (She's wearing pink tennis shoes.) Of course, even if Davis is successful this time around, Gov. Rick Perry can always call another special session. The measure would outlaw abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy and impose restrictions on clinics so tough that many would have to close. (More Wendy Davis stories.)