A new report by Texomas has found that abortions in Texas dropped by 60% during the first month after the so-called "heartbeat bill" was passed. However, Texas gubernatorial candidate Don Huffines said he does not think the bill goes far enough and wants to ban all abortions in the state.

Conversely, states that border Texas have reported a large number of Texans visiting those clinics for abortions, possibly counteracting the decrease in Texas. Nonetheless, Huffines still touted the bill's success. Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado and Louisiana are the surrounding states that have seen an increase in abortions after the heartbeat bill became a law in Texas on Sept. 1.

“The results of the Heartbeat Bill are proof that laws restricting abortions work," Huffines said. "However, the bill doesn’t go far enough. It is never acceptable at any stage to kill a child in the womb. When I am governor, I will totally outlaw abortion in the state of Texas, without exception -- and I will never ask permission from the federal government.”

The bill bans abortions when a heartbeat is detected, which is usually after six weeks, outside of rape and incest. The law cannot be enforced by law enforcement and no penalties are placed on people who have had an abortion or those who have performed them. Instead, lawsuits can be filed against those who violate the law.  

In response to the "heartbeat bill," the Department of Health and Human Services sent $10 million in additional aid to Texas in anticipation of a greater need for emergency contraception. "Abortion pills" are also available by mail in Texas by order of President Joe Biden. 

This debate is among several leading into the Texas Republican gubernatorial primary on March 1. Huffines, a businessman and former state Senator, will face Gov. Greg Abbott. Abbott was elected as Texas' 48th governor in 2014 and was the state's attorney general prior to that.