AUSTIN, Texas — In late September, the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Committee requested information on the number of abortion-related deaths in the state. The data has been kept from the group for more than a decade.
What You Need To Know
The Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Committee requested information on the number of abortion-related deaths in the state
The request follows the panel’s latest report, which shows that in 2020 the maternal mortality rate was on the rise
Health care providers say the context from the number of abortion-related deaths could save lives
Legislators would need to change state law to allow the committee to review the data
“We can’t make comments about what caused an increase in maternal death in our state if we’re not really reviewing all of them,” said Dr. Carla Ortique, chair of the committee.
The request follows the panel’s latest report, which shows that in 2020 the maternal mortality rate was 27.7 deaths per 100,000 live births—compared to 17.2 in 2019. The data predates the state’s near total abortion ban, which is expected to increase maternal mortality.
“Each maternal death, each life that is lost, has value,” said Ortique.
Health care providers say the context from the number of abortion-related deaths could save lives.
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“Get down to the root of some of our problems and to really figure out how can we make a positive change,” said Dr. Todd Ivey, a Houston OB-GYN and district chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Legislators would need to change state law to allow the committee to view the data. There isn’t expected to be pushback, but Austin-area Democratic state Rep. Donna Howard thinks abortion-related terms should be redefined in state law to better understand the mortality and morbidity patterns.
Current state law does not consider the removal of an ectopic pregnancy as an abortion, but medically, it is.
“So part of what we should be doing is being consistent with medical science and what medical definitions are, and not playing games politically,” said Howard.
Anti-abortion advocates support the committee’s request for the data, but say that definitions don’t need to change.
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“Because when we gather this data, we want to understand the true deaths in the state of Texas that are occurring because of abortion,” said Amy O’Donnell with Texas Alliance for Life.
Ivey says more education is needed for policymakers to understand why an abortion is necessary to treat ectopic pregnancy. He added that clarity to the state’s law that only allows for abortions in the case of an emergency would help address mortality and morbidity rates.
“People are very confused and people are very frightened exactly what they can and cannot do,” said Ivey.
The Texas Medical Board recently adopted new rules that protect doctors who perform abortions for ectopic pregnancies, but many doctors want more clarity.
Accident or crime scene cordon tape, police line do not cross. via Getty Images
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas – A juvenile has been arrested Saturday after an early morning double-homicide near Round Rock.
The situation ended after officials successfully negotiated a barricade situation with the minor, they say.
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Williamson County double-homicide
What we know:
Williamson County authorities got the shooting call around 2 a.m. from the 8900 block of Brushy Gate Cove, outside the Round Rock city limits.
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Williamson County sheriff’s deputies found two men dead of gunshot wounds at the scene. The suspect was barricaded inside a bedroom in the home.
Williamson County SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, and the suspect peacefully surrendered around 6:30 a.m.
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Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Williamson County officials comment
What they’re saying:
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“On our arrival, we found two deceased people from the residence, adult males,” said Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
“Anytime you have a barricaded subject inside of a home where we believe two people are deceased, you know, we’re going to take all precautionary measures that we can to ensure our safety and the safety of the neighbors as well,” said Foster.
Investigators say everyone involved resided in the house and that this was an isolated incident.
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“Information is going to be very limited, because this is a juvenile investigation, and certain laws protect certain information regarding juveniles,” said Foster.
What we don’t know:
The identity of the minor suspect has not been released.
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The victims were not identified.
The motive behind the shooting has not been commented on.
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The Source: Information in this article came from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
Samsung is taking steps to provide Apple with image sensors built with advanced technology for iPhones. Reportedly, the sensors for the iPhone will be manufactured in Samsung’s current Austin, Texas facility, and the company is anticipated to soon have production equipment installed for the upcoming project.
The image sensor of the iPhone is expected to have a three-stack design for better low-light performance and a higher density of pixels with multiple layers stacked vertically. This results in less power consumption, a dynamic range that’s higher, and faster speeds for readouts.
It’s believed that the new sensor will be made for the upcoming iPhone 18 in 2027. Apple and Samsung have reportedly arrived at a deal where Samsung will be supplying the component for the sensor. This marks the first occasion Apple will be going with another company apart from Sony as their main supplier for image sensors for its iPhones.
Texas football has lost its fair share of players to the NFL draft and transfer portal over the past few weeks, dwindling the roster. Despite the loss of a few big names such as linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., safety Michael Taaffe and others, the Longhorns have held onto star quarterback Arch Manning.
While it was unlikely that Manning would enter the portal, there was some hype surrounding the possibility of the first-year starter entering the NFL Draft. Why did the young star decide to forego the pros? According to Manning, his journey at Texas isn’t quite finished.
Manning Wants to Continue His Development With Texas
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Nov 28, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning keeps the ball and runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
“I felt like I developed a lot this year, especially towards the back half, and I want to keep it going,” Manning said, according to Inside Texas’s Evan Vieth. “There’s no reason to leave. I feel like I got a lot more football left to play, and excited to still be a part of this team.”
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Manning didn’t quite have the season that most fans and analysts envisioned for him, struggling at the start of the year. Despite these struggles, Manning went on to improve throughout the regular season, demonstrating why he is one of the nation’s top quarterback talents.
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At the start of the season, Manning’s accuracy and timing were a bit off. The offense as a whole seemed out of sync, and Texas was not looking like the powerhouse that was promised heading into the season.
Eventually, though, Manning found his stride, and more than just improving his stats, the Longhorn quarterback looked more comfortable. Eventually, the stat sheet reflected his improvements, posting 1,625 passing yards over the last six games of the season, alongside 16 total touchdowns.
Now, returning to Texas for what will likely be his last year in college before departing for the NFL, next season should be an exciting one for the Longhorns. Not only is Manning more experienced as the team’s top quarterback, but the wide receiving core will have developed as well.
Texas wide receivers had their struggles with drops this season, but showed improvements at some points throughout the year.
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Though it may be difficult to abstain from declaring for the draft, ultimately Manning made perhaps the best decision for his career and development. With another year to grow, by the time he enters the NFL, Manning will be much more experienced and likely better prepared.
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Manning will have one more chance to take the field this season in the upcoming Citrus Bowl, where Texas will take on the Michigan Wolverines on December 31.
