Dewhurst: Pro-Abortion Mob Won’t Shut Down Texas Pro-Life Bill a Second Time

State   |   Andrew Bair   |   Jul 1, 2013   |   9:36AM   |   Austin, TX

Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst addressed the National Right to Life Convention in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, affirming his commitment to passing protective legislation for mothers and their unborn children in the upcoming second special legislative session.

Governor Rick Perry called the second special session after pro-abortion Democrats led a filibuster to run out the clock on a bill to protect pain-capable unborn children from abortion at 20 weeks after conception and bring Texas abortion centers up to basic health standards.

In his speech to the attendees of the NRLC convention, Dewhurst said, “I will never lose hope because the numbers are still on our side. Surveys still show more Americans are pro-life than pro-abortion. I will never lose hope because the preborn have organizations, like yours Dr. O’Steen, on their side.”

Data from the Polling Company shows 64% of Americans support legislation to protect unborn children who can feel pain. Only 30% oppose such legislation. Compelling medical evidence shows unborn children can feel pain by 20 weeks after conception, if not earlier.

Despite support from pro-life majorities in both chambers, a vote on the Texas Preborn Pain Bill was unable to be conducted before the midnight deadline of the session because of raucous protests by abortion advocates in the Senate gallery.

“We’re not exactly in a polite conversation with our opponents who do not respect the sanctity of human life. We’re in an epic struggle,” said Dewhurst.

President Obama praised the pro-abortion protests, tweeting “Something special is happening in Austin tonight.” Obama has vowed to veto legislation on the federal level that would protect pain-capable unborn children from late abortions.

“I may not agree with someone, but if they hold deeply held principles, I respect them as long as they follow the law and this group did not,” said Dewhurst.

Abortion advocates are already exploring avenues to prevent the Legislature from voting on the bill. On social media, some have called on Texas Democrats to flee the state to avoid having to cast a vote.

“Our opponents are willing to undermine our democracy to protect something they cherish- the ability to terminate a pregnancy at any time, in any place,” said Dewhurst.

In his address, Dewhurst called on the pro-life grassroots to take action to ensure the bill’s passage. He urged attendees to talk to friends and neighbors in Texas about the bill, to attend the hearings and to sit in on the proceedings in the Senate gallery. He also noted the vital importance of winning the debate online.

CLICK LIKE IF YOU’RE PRO-LIFE!

 

Pro-life advocates should utilize the hashtag #Stand4Life to share posts or tweets in support of the legislation.

Dewhurst noted that pro-life advocates push for these protective laws because “we care for the preborn, but we also care deeply about women in dire circumstances who have no place else to turn, who are looking for an answer and who don’t, at the end of the day, want to look back with regret for the rest of their lives.”