A Texas anti-abortion bill, SB5, that was set to impose some of the harshest regulations on abortion in the country has now been struck down after an incredible filibuster lasting nearly 11 hours by state Senator Wendy Davis (D). She nearly didn't accomplish her goal though, as a photo-finish vote to pass the bill by Republicans just missed it's midnight deadline.

As midnight drew near, Republicans attempted to rush a vote on the matter, disregarding Davis' continued attempts to delay the vote. The Republicans were able to secure the necessary votes despite desparate cries from Democrats and their onlooking supporters. Amid the confusion, the bill was not signed into law until after 12 a.m., though Republicans did try to retroactively change the date it was signed, unsuccessfully.

"I'm rising on the floor today to humbly give voice to thousands of Texans who are being ignored," Davis said when her speech began, later adding: "These voices have been silenced by a governor who made blind partisanship and personal political ambition the priority of our state."

Davis had to speak nearly continuously for 11 hours straight in order to reach the deadline for Texas' special legislative session. Not only that, but she also had to speak on subjects related to the conversation over the abortion bill. That bill had originally been passed in the state's House by a vote of 95-34.
"Today was democracy in action," Davis told the crowd. "And you all are the reason that happened, you all were the voices we were speaking from today from the floor, and we are so proud as a group of Democrat senators to have represented your interests on this issue today."

Certainly, there were plenty of people who were far from happy over the outcome of the proceedings.

"An unruly mob, using Occupy Wall Street tactics, disrupted the Senate from protecting unborn babies," Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said early Wednesday morning.

Still, at least for now, Davis was able to stop the bill from going through. SB5 would have restricted abortions past the twentieth week of pregnancy and also tightly regulated other aspects of the abortion process. Most notably, Democrats took issue with the fact that if the bill had passed, 37 of the state's 42 abortion clinic would have had to shut down, leaving hundreds of thousands without accessible abortion options.

The bill has been effectively struck down for the moment, but all indications are that Republicans will continue to soldier on with their attempts to pass it. This most recent legislative session is now over, but there are already murmurs that Republicans will soon aim to set up another special legislative session as soon as possible.