On Tuesday, June 11, Governor Rick Perry announced plans to expand the call for the special session of the 83rd Legislature to include Pro-Life “legislation relating to the regulation of abortion procedures, providers and facilities” that would not only protect the unborn, but address health and safety issues recently exposed at a Houston abortion clinic chain. He made the following statement:
“The horrors of the national late-term abortion industry are continuing to come to light, one atrocity at a time. Sadly, some of those same atrocities happen in our own state. In Texas, we value all life, and we’ve worked to cultivate a culture that supports the birth of every child. We have an obligation to protect unborn children, and to hold those who peddle these abortions to standards that would minimize the death, disease and pain they cause.”
All the major Pro-Life organizations across Texas have been working on a coalition-supported bill. State Senator Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) filed SB 5, a bill that improves safety standards at abortion facilities and establishes the state’s interest in protecting the lives of preborn children who feel pain. Representative Jodie Laubenberg (R-Rockwall) is the House sponsor and has filed the House companion, HB 60.
Elizabeth Graham of Texas Right to Life said, “Governor Perry has been a faithful champion for the rights of the most vulnerable in our state, and he has always welcomed and sought opportunities to protect life. We laud his efforts and the constant commitment of Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst to safeguard pregnant women and their unborn children while holding abortion clinics accountable.”
Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst expressed his complete support for the Pro-Life measures in the special session agenda:
“Until Americans are willing to overturn Roe vs. Wade, Texas should at least outlaw abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, regulate abortion clinics to the safety standards governing ambulatory and outpatient surgical centers, and ensure that abortion clinics have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles.”
In light of Houston abortionist, Douglas Karpen, who has been accused of committing infanticide on fully-birthed newborns, Perry and Dewhurst want to prevent Gosnell-like abortion centers in Texas. The Pro-Life community is optimistic about this unprecedented opportunity to pass a new law that would strengthen Texas families, protect the health and safety of women, and foster a culture of Life while saving thousands of unborn baby Texans annually.
For Media:
Contact:
Elizabeth Graham 713-299-4297
Kyleen Wright 214-213-4296
Carol Everett 512-923-8060