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.

“I think it’s clear, but I’m also open to the idea that some doctors don’t see it that way, some hospitals don’t think that way,” said Patrick, a Republican who presides over the Texas Senate. “We don’t want to stand in the way of that, but we’re not going to open it up so that abortion is prevalent again in the state.”

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.