State lawmakers meet every other year in Austin to pass new bills, shape the state budget, and make changes to existing policies. However, they only have 140 days to accomplish these goals. From January 14 to June 2, the 89th Legislative Session will offer a critical opportunity to move the Pro-Life cause forward. Texas Right to Life’s priority this session is to protect preborn babies from illegal and out-of-state abortions.
How We Prioritize Pro-Life Legislation in Texas
Priority: Woman and Child Protection Act
SB 2880 by Sen. Hughes & HB 5510 by Rep. Leach
Adopt tools to target illegal abortion pill websites, distributors, and accomplices.
Even with our state’s Pro-Life laws, an estimated 19,000 abortion pills were mailed to Texas each year, harming women and killing preborn babies. The WCP Act strengthens Texas’ Pro-Life laws by expanding civil enforcement mechanisms of the Texas Heartbeat Act to target the trafficking, distribution, and facilitation of abortion-inducing drugs. By empowering private citizens to sue violators and imposing liability on manufacturers, distributors, and digital services that aid in abortion pill sales, Texas can target the growing threat of mail-order abortions. This act would also allow wrongful death lawsuits to be brought by women and family members of a woman harmed or killed by abortion complications.
Priority: Stop Tax Funded Abortion Services
SB 33 by Sen. Campbell & HB 1806 by Rep. Noble
Block extremist politicians from spending taxpayer money on abortion expenses.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission reported that around 15,000 women left the state for abortions in 2023, the first full year without Roe v. Wade. And this number may only be partial. Cities like Austin and San Antonio are seeking to increase the death toll by dedicating taxpayer dollars to fund abortion travel expenses, such as pregnant women’s flights, hotel stays, food, and more. The Legislature must prevent liberal cities from using public funds to support abortion.
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Stopping illegal abortions is undoubtedly the most important thing lawmakers can accomplish this session. In addition to that priority, we also have policy recommendations to support families and help mothers choose adoption.
Recommendations: Build a Pro-Life Texas and Improve Adoption
Protect Life-Affirming Resources (SB 1388 by Sen. Kolkhorst & HB 5285 by Rep. Frank): The Legislature must ensure only life-affirming providers receive funds from the Thriving Texas Families program. We also request $210 million for the biennium to fund the TTF program fully.
Life of the Mother Act (SB 31 by Sen. Hughes & HB 44 by Rep. Geren): Medical professionals need guidance on what Pro-Life laws allow and how to treat mothers facing complications. This could be accomplished through continuing medical education courses for physicians and nurses. Read more.
Protect Fragile Babies (SB 1233 by Sen. Hancock & HB 2684 by Rep. Swanson): Support families facing life-threatening prenatal diagnoses by providing resources that help them cherish their child as long as possible.
Improve Adoption (SB 903 by Sen. Sparks & HB 5114 by Rep. Cunningham and SB 1207 by Sen. King & HB 5100 Rep. Leo Wilson): Less than 1% of unexpected pregnancies end in adoption, while over 40% end in abortion. Addressing the stigma surrounding adoption is essential to making it a more viable choice, preventing women from seeking illegal abortion pills or out-of-state abortions.
Pregnancy Resource Webpage and App (SB 206 by Sen. Paxton & HB 2263 by Rep. Fairly): This bill will establish a central resource database for mothers and families in need.
Education on Fetal Development (SB 205 by Sen. Paxton & HB 196 by Rep. Vasut & HB 3972 by Rep. Richardson): This bill will require fetal development to be included in the public school health curriculum at certain grade levels.
Reporting Requirements for IVF (SB 2447 by Sen. Sparks & HB 3132 by Rep. Alders): IVF is a deeply unregulated industry. This bill will establish basic reporting requirements for IVF providers, including the number of embryos they create and the fates of those embryos.
Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC) (SB 1831 by Sen. Parker & HB 5277 by Rep. Pierson): Current law prevents the MMMRC from investigating abortion-related complications. The legislature must fix this gap to require the MMMRC to examine cases where Texas women suffer adverse effects from abortion.
Conscience Protections for Health Care Professionals (SB 619 by Senator Sparks & HB 2816 by Rep. Oliverson M.D.): Protect medical professionals from retaliation for declining to participate in certain health care services, with the exception of life-sustaining treatment.
The battle for Life is not over. By stopping lethal abortion drugs, the 89th Texas Legislature can reaffirm Texas as a leader in the Pro-Life movement. Together, we can protect the vulnerable, support families, and continue building a Culture of Life.
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