Civic Action

The 80th Texas Legislative Session began on January 9th and will end May 28th, 2007.  The Texas Legislature only meets every other on the odd numbered years (they will not meet again until January 2009) and the session is relatively short.  There is only a small window of time to get pro-life and pro-family bills passed before the session ends. 

On Wednesday, March 6th, the Catholic Pro-Life Committee, in conjunction with the Texas Catholic Conference and the Respect Life Directors of the State of Texas, lobbied every Senator and Representative on the following bills:

(HB 225) Funding Ban on Embryonic Stem Cell Research 
Relating to prohibiting the use of state money for certain biomedical research.
This bill would prohibit the use of state funds for biomedical research (including ESCR) Federal law prohibits the use of federal money. As it currently stands there is no provision within state law that would stop funds from going to ESCR.
House Sponsor:  Ken Paxton (R) / Senate Sponsor:  Glenn Hegar (R)

(HB 175 / SB 186)  The Trigger Ban
Relating to the protection of life, including unborn life, from the point of fertilization.
This is the same legislation that was supported last session. It would reinstate the abortion prohibition that was struck down because of the Roe decision.
House Sponsor:  Warren Chisum (R) / Senate Sponsor:  Dan Patrick (R)

(HB 21) Relating to Informed Consent to an Abortion 
Relating to informed consent to an abortion.
This would close the loophole in the current Woman's Right to Know Act by mandating that all women who seek an abortion read the State printed materials.  Detailed information and the text of the materials in question. 
House Sponsor:  Frank Corte (R)

(HB 1750/SB 785) Reporting Requirements 
Relating to information related to the performance of an abortion.
This bill would require more reporting requirements regarding abortion.
House Sponsor:  Morrison (R) / Senate Sponsor:  Shapiro (R)

(HB 224) Choose Life License Plates
Relating to the issuance of "Choose Life" license plates and to the creation of the Choose Life account in the general revenue fund.
This legislation would allow for the issuance of "Choose Life" license plates. Money collected from this would be eligible to those organizations that help women place their children for adoption and is not affiliated with abortion related facilities or provide abortion referrals.
House Sponsor:  Paxton (R)

Upcoming Bills:

Support for funding for Adult Stem Cell Research
Adult stem cells are currently used to bring about cures for various conditions eg. heart, spine and sickle cell anemia to mention only a few.  So far, there have been more than 72 types of diseases cured using adult stem cells, whereas, there have been no diseases cured from experimentation on embryos.

Support for funding of Umbilical Cord Blood Banks
There is state law in place authorizing umbilical cord blood banks.  Legislation is needed to assure adequate and appropriate funding and training of personnel.

Encouraging Words

Abortions in the U.S.

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