Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says the Legislature should amend the language of the state's near-total abortion ban to address confusion over when doctors may terminate pregnancies.

The Texas Legislature may clarify for medical professionals when it’s legal to perform a life-saving abortion, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said this week. “We need to clarify any language so that doctors are not in fear of being penalized if they think the life of the mother’s at risk,

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.