ACHIEVEMENTS
When it comes to protecting life, Texas is the envy of the nation. We are blessed with a strong pro-life majority in both the House and the Senate, as well as a pro-life Governor. And Texas has a reputation for passing tough, effective legislation that has withstood many court challenges.
Life PAC has been blessed to work with many members in the House and the Senate in recent legislative sessions to pass measures that have already saved tens of thousands of lives.
PRO LIFE ISSUES
WORKING WITH LEADERSHIP IN TEXAS LEGISLATION
Members of the pro-life movement have had unprecedented access to the Speaker's office under Joe Straus's leadership. The open door policy toward pro-life groups has developed a constructive, two-way dialogue. The many victories we have enjoyed on his watch, are evidence of our excellent working relationship with House leadership.
Speaker Straus, in particular, is able to draw from a reservoir of good will that has been created through his respectful approach. The pro-life movement is fortunate to have an ally in his position.
OMNIBUS BILL BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT
House Bill 2, the pro-life omnibus bill that enraged abortion advocates and was the subject of Wendy Davis’ filibuster, includes a ban on abortion after 20 weeks, a requirement for doctors to have hospital admitting privileges, an ASC requirement for clinics and a requirement that medical abortions comply with FDA protocol. Opponents were so enraged they bused in radicals from across the country. There were threats on lawmakers, near riots and even an afternoon of abortion advocates singing “Hail Satan.” An unprecedented 3543 witnesses lined up in the House to testify, and each one represented multiple opportunities for procedural errors that could derail the bill.
House leadership stayed focused, helped organize support, and preserved order. They were phenomenal, and HB 2 was passed in a special session and subsequently signed into law by Governor Perry in the summer of 2013.
RECENT PRO-LIFE LEGISLATIVE VICTORIES
The Texas House has succeeded in passing substantial pro-life measures over the last few legislative sessions.
•H.B. 2: Banned abortions after 20 weeks and provided important safety measures such as requiring hospital admitting privileges for abortion doctors, clinics that meet Ambulatory Surgical Center standards) and medical abortions that comply with FDA protocols
•Comprehensive Sonogram law requiring women to receive a sonogram at 24 hours prior to having an abortion and requiring doctors to meet privately with each woman and explain the sonogram
•"Choose Life" license plates help fund adoption counseling
•"Alternatives to Abortion" fund for pregnancy help centers
•Reformed Parental Consent laws to narrow an exception that abortion providers were exploiting
•Defunded Planned Parenthood
Victory in each case came with significant help with the leadership in both the House and the Senate. It seems, however, a few wealthy businessmen are funding a whole cottage industry of PAC’s criticizing the House leadership and attempting to credit only the Senate or the Governor. Those of us who have worked directly with Speaker Straus and his team know the foolishness of these claims. There are even those who claim that Texas is not doing all that well protecting life, compared to other states.
Over 50,000 babies, saved in just four short years, live to sing a different song, and therefore, we would like to set the record straight.
The Texas House has succeeded in passing substantial pro-life measures over the last few legislative sessions.
•H.B. 2: Banned abortions after 20 weeks and provided important safety measures such as requiring hospital admitting privileges for abortion doctors, clinics that meet Ambulatory Surgical Center standards) and medical abortions that comply with FDA protocols
•Comprehensive Sonogram law requiring women to receive a sonogram at 24 hours prior to having an abortion and requiring doctors to meet privately with each woman and explain the sonogram
•"Choose Life" license plates help fund adoption counseling
•"Alternatives to Abortion" fund for pregnancy help centers
•Reformed Parental Consent laws to narrow an exception that abortion providers were exploiting
•Defunded Planned Parenthood
Victory in each case came with significant help with the leadership in both the House and the Senate. It seems, however, a few wealthy businessmen are funding a whole cottage industry of PAC’s criticizing the House leadership and attempting to credit only the Senate or the Governor. Those of us who have worked directly with Speaker Straus and his team know the foolishness of these claims. There are even those who claim that Texas is not doing all that well protecting life, compared to other states.
Over 50,000 babies, saved in just four short years, live to sing a different song, and therefore, we would like to set the record straight.