The 89th Legislature of the State of Texas marked a crucial chapter in protecting preborn babies. Although the regular session ended without addressing the growing threat of abortion pills, God’s provision, combined with unwavering commitment during two special sessions, led to major Pro-Life victories. Two lawmakers rose above the rest in their leadership and dedication for Life: Senator Bryan Hughes (R–Mineola) and Representative Jeff Leach (R–Allen).
Senator Bryan Hughes: A Longtime Leader for Life
Since his first day in office, Senator Hughes has been one of the Texas Capitol’s most devoted advocates for the preborn. His legislative record reflects years of unwavering service, time after time championing measures to protect innocent human Life from fertilization to natural death.
During this year’s regular session, Senator Hughes authored Texas Right to Life’s top priority bill, the Woman and Child Protection Act (WCPA), Senate Bill 2880, which aimed to combat the dangerous influx of abortion drugs illegally shipped into Texas from out-of-state sources. He stood up for the bill again and again on the Senate floor, pushing back against attacks and correcting false claims from anti-Life lawmakers with confidence and truth.
When the House didn’t pass the bill fast enough, Senator Hughes didn’t give up. He filed it again in both special sessions and pushed it through the Senate each time. His, along with his staff’s, dedication helped finally get the Woman and Child Protection Act passed.
Senator Hughes also authored the Life of the Mother Act (Senate Bill 31; 89R) to address confusion surrounding medical care for pregnant women in life-threatening emergencies. Texas’ Pro-Life laws have always allowed doctors to intervene when a mother faces a foreseeable risk of death, even if the medical treatment tragically results in the loss of the preborn child, because the goal is to save lives, not end them.
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However, liberal media outlets and anti-Life Democrats have promoted false narratives suggesting that Pro-Life protections actually endanger women. The Life of the Mother Act provides added clarity by requiring continuing education for both physicians and hospital attorneys involved in emergency pregnancy care. Senator Hughes guided this measure through the Senate with unanimous support. This policy took effect on September 1, earlier this year.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on State Affairs, Senator Hughes plays a critical role in shaping Pro-Life policy. His committee heard and passed our two Pro-Life priority bills: The Woman and Child Protection Act and the Stop Tax-Funded Abortion Travel Act (Senate Bill 33 by Senator Campbell). This powerful Senate committee also passed numerous measures to help build a culture of Life in Texas. We are profoundly grateful for Senator Hughes’ leadership in advancing the strongest Pro-Life bills and stopping dangerous proposals in their tracks.
Representative Jeff Leach: Fighting to Stop Dangerous Abortion Pills
Representative Jeff Leach served as the House author of the Woman and Child Protection Act, dedicating himself to stopping the rise of abortion pills entering Texas. He filed the House version of the bill (HB 5510) and strongly defended it. When the House didn’t pass it during the regular session, he acted immediately—joining Texas Right to Life’s coalition letter for a special session so the bill could be addressed.
He then refiled the Woman and Child Protection Act in both special sessions. Even when House Democrats fled the state during the first special session to block the vote, Representative Leach never stopped fighting. He kept attention on the growing threat of abortion pills.
Before and during the second special session, some lobbyists and groups tried to weaken the bill or kill it completely. Yet, Representative Leach devoted dozens of hours to negotiations and fought for the heart of the bill. He ensured that the final draft of the Woman and Child Protection Act expands civil enforcement of Pro-Life policies, a vital tool important for stopping states that try to shield illegal abortion pill trafficking into Texas.
Before and during the second special session, some groups tried to weaken the bill or kill it completely. Representative Leach worked for hours negotiating and protecting the bill’s strongest protections. Because of him, the final WCPA includes strong civil enforcement tools—important for stopping states that try to shield illegal abortion pill trafficking into Texas.
Senator Hughes and Representative Leach’s persistence ultimately secured one of the biggest Pro-Life victories of the decade. Future generations of precious Texans owe a lifetime of thanks to these Pro-Life champions!
See how your elected officials voted on these and other Pro-Life measures by visiting Texas Right to Life’s Pro-Life Scorecard.
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