Texas Bill Filed to Ban Abortions at 20-Weeks After Mob Stops Last One

State   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Jul 1, 2013   |   4:23PM   |   Austin, TX

Texas legislators today filed a new bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks and hold abortion facilities accountable for breaking health and safety laws after a pro-abortion mob derailed the previous bill.

The bill would ban abortions after 20 weeks and hold abortion clinics accountable by making them meet basic health and safety standards that have closed facilities in other states that are unable to comply. The bill also requires all abortion clinics to meet the same health and safety regulations as an ambulatory surgical center, requires a doctor providing abortions to secure admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, and lastly, requires a doctor to personally administer the abortion-inducing drugs to the patient.

Texas Governor Rick Perry issued a call for a special session of the Texas legislature to pass the bill that a pro-abortion mob prevented the legislature from passing last week.

“I am calling the Legislature back into session because too much important work remains undone for the people of Texas. Through their duly elected representatives, the citizens of our state have made crystal clear their priorities for our great state,” Perry said. “Texans value life and want to protect women and the unborn. Texans want a transportation system that keeps them moving. Texans want a court system that is fair and just. We will not allow the breakdown of decorum and decency to prevent us from doing what the people of this state hired us to do.”

Polls show a majority of Texans favor a bill banning late-term abortions.

Texas Right to Life provided LifeNews with more details on what is happening.

“House Bill 2 will be heard in committee as early as 3:30 p.m. this Tuesday,” the pro-life group said. “All Pro-Lifers in attendance in Austin are encouraged to join us at the Capitol Extension (E1.010).”

“We will be filling up the hearing room and lining up the hallways of the Capitol Extension about 1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m..  It is expected that the testimony may run as late as midnight,” Texas Right to Life added. “If you attend a hearing day, please register at the Capitol kiosk in support of House Bill 2.  The kiosks are on stands outside the committee room.”

Those who want to provide testimony should prepare a three-minute testimony explaining how abortion has hurt you or someone you love.

“When you register at the Capitol kiosk in support of House Bill 2, then you may also select your desire to testify.  Be prepared for a long day and night, and bring snacks and beverages,” the group says. It is urging pro-life advocates to wear baby blue shirts when they show up.

“Today, July 1, we expect the bill to be referred to committee.  However, it is not necessary for you to be present today.   By mid-week, we will have the calendar for the remaining three days where your attendance would be beneficial.  These days include: a vote in the House, a hearing in the Senate, and a final vote in the Senate.  As soon as we have the calendar details confirmed, we will release that information to you quickly,” the group adds. “Attendance at any one of these four days would be very much appreciated.  Some people are coming in for one day and others are arranging to be in Austin for all four.   Parking may prove to be a bit of a problem.  However, we’re currently working on securing private parking at area churches and businesses and then busing folks over to the Capitol grounds.”

Last week, after a long and confusing night filled with a filibuster and a pro-abortion mob that made it difficult for lawmakers to debate and vote, the Texas state Senate appeared to pass a ban on late-term abortions 19-12. Later, lawmakers came back and said the vote had not officially been taken before the midnight deadline for the special session.

Today, abortion advocates protested at the state capitol but pro-lifers drowned them out with signing of Amazing Grace.

Texas Right to Life provides a list of ways pro-life people can help now:

1. Pray and intercede for wisdom, courage, and strength for all of the elected officials who will vote on this measure.  Pray that they will all stand for life regardless of the spiritual, emotional, and physical attacks leveled against them.

2. Call and email YOUR Representative and Senator starting on Monday with a simple message, “Please speak, stand, and vote FOR HB 2.  My support will be significantly determined by the vote on this bill.” Visit this link to confirm your correct Representative and Senator: https://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx

3. Come to the Texas State Capitol in Austin for the hearings and/or the final vote in each chamber when scheduled.  We must not let the majority of Pro-Life Texas citizens be unorganized on this critical issue at this critical hour. (Committee and vote schedule details will be sent when available.)

4. Encourage your Pastor to personally use every communication available of pulpit, email, text, etc., to call out your congregation to join you in attending.  There will be a special meeting space set aside near the Capitol as a reception area for pastors to pick up information packets, rest, and pray!  Watch for more information.

5. Encourage your family, friends, co-workers and church members to join you in these efforts.  Use the hashtag #Stand4Life on Twitter to show support for all Life.  There is definitely strength in numbers.  Now is the time to show that the majority of Texans are Pro-Life.

If you have questions or plan to attend, please contact the Texas Right to Life office at 713-782-5433.