Texas Gov. Rick Perry today signed into law the restrictive abortion bill that initiated State Sen. Wendy Davis’ 11-hour filibuster and ignited the protests of pro-abortion rights advocates across the country.

In his remarks before signing the bill, Perry said the new law would prevent “reckless doctors’ performing abortions in horrific conditions” as a part of “our continued commitment to protecting life in the state of Texas.”

Abortions in Texas will be prohibited after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The law also enforces surgical center regulations on facilities that perform abortions, which critics say could shut down a majority of Texas’ abortion clinics.

“That is reasonable. That is common-sense expectation for those caring for the health and safety of the people in the state of Texas,” Perry said in reference to the higher safety requirements.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst also spoke at the event and said people who remember Perry later would consider “defense of the preborn as a key part of [his] legacy.

“We would not be here today if not for our governor,” Dewhurst said.

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