ICYMI: Houston Chronicle Editorial Board on Texas Republicans’ Latest Scheme: “Another Texas abortion bill that’s anything but pro-life”
“Lawmakers should focus instead on flood relief and prevention, not extreme policies that threaten women.”
TEXAS – Today, the Houston Chronicle’s editorial board blasted Texas Republicans for advancing SB 7, a dangerous bill that would let private citizens sue anyone who provides abortion medication — even when it’s used to save a woman’s life.Texas lawmakers began a second special legislative session on Friday, August 15, and immediately rushed to introduce SB 7, dangerous new legislation that would allow any private person to sue manufacturers, distributors, or doctors who provide abortion medication — even when the medications are used to save the life of a pregnant woman.
The Chronicle's editorial board urges lawmakers to face the reality of Texas’ rising maternal mortality rate, and listen to the doctors warnings: politicians are threatening the very tools used to save women’s lives.
“Texas would like to imagine itself as the most pro-baby state. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the Senate he leads are now sending the opposite message. In a state that once addressed maternal mortality with doctor-informed recommendations and lifesaving tools, now lawmakers are threatening those very tools.”
The editorial board also criticizes the undemocratic measures taken by Texas Republicans, who seem keen to keep the public at arm’s length while they jam through a deadly new abortion ban.
“Republican lawmakers appear eager to rush it through this time, too: the bill was filed and voted on by committee before the dust even settled Friday — or important stakeholders were notified of the hearing. Lawmakers should focus instead on flood relief and prevention, not extreme policies that threaten women.”
“Abortion bans are already killing women in Texas. Now Republican lawmakers – at the Trump administration’s direction - are rigging the system with more restrictions that leave patients in crisis without access to care,” said Veronica Ingham, Senior Campaigns Director for Free & Just.
If you are interested in connecting with Texas patients, providers, or advocates about what is at stake for women and families across the state right now, please contact Kelly Rimar (kelly.rimar@freeandjust.us).
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Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.