Abortion Becomes Issue In Race For Speaker of the Texas House January 3, 2011

As the new legislative session is set to begin next week , different special interest groups are drawing a line in the  sand over several controversial issues. 

For the Texas Pastor Council, the issue is abortion. The inter-racial, inter-deominational group representing local pastor councils in Houston, Austin, Beaumont, El Paso and other areas of the state, issued a statement regarding the race for Speaker of the Texas House of  Representatives.  The statement is aimed at current Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio)  He’s facing a heated battled to keep the coveted post, but most political experts believe  he will survive the challenge.

(NEWS RELEASE)

 

“There is not one question that the platform of the Republican Party of Texas has been and is now unequivocally strong for protecting the lives of innocent, unborn children, the definition of marriage and the well being of our vulnerable citizens against predatory gambling.  Given that those principles are among the foundational purposes of our constitutional republic, it is inconceivable that Texas would choose someone for the most powerful position in our state House who denies the very positions of his party on those issues. 

 

Because of the margin of the Republican majority, the decision will rest with the commitment by that majority to the essential principles of those who elected them and those who devoted much time, money and personal sacrifice to establish the platform.  The lame defense for arbitrarily re-electing Joe Straus because he was the consensus choice of eleven moderate Republicans in 2009 who split from their own caucus, is precisely that – lame.  If it was acceptable for that “gang of 11” to cross party lines and violate the trust of their constituents, why is it not now acceptable to question the choice of that liberal coalition with a conservative super-majority? 

 

We again join with tens of thousands of other pro-life, pro-family, pro-limited government voices across the state of Texas to respectfully but firmly request that those who asked for the endorsements, the precious time on the streets and phones, the finances and the credibility of grassroots citizens representing these principles to truly represent us.  As those representatives know more than most, the way that starts is by casting their most important vote of each session – that for Speaker of the House – for someone who does not stand under the shadow of pro-abortion, pro-gay rights, pro-gambling special interests as does Rep. Joe Straus.

 

 

Because courts have affirmed the clear right of 501 (c) (3) non-profit churches and organizations to advocate in this race because it is equated to supporting legislation, we express on behalf of hundreds of churches throughout the state of Texas that only a pro-life, pro-family, fiscal conservative should be elected the next Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Finally, because the Republican caucus will vote by secret ballot according to chairman Larry Taylor, the members should be free to vote their principles and with their constituents without the much-discussed fear of reprisal from Joe Straus.”

 

Senator Dan Patrick to Fight for Informed Consent Legislation June 10, 2010

This is a news release from State Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston) followed by a statement from Planned Parenthood 

 

 “For the last two sessions I have passed our bill out of the Senate with bi-partisan support. Even though we had the votes to pass in the House, it did not come to the floor,” said Patrick. “Representative Morrison is a respected leader who has a passion for this issue and I am proud to work with her on this important legislation.”   

Known as “The Sonogram Bill,” the legislation will require abortion providers to offer a patient a sonogram of her child, an explanation of the child’s current state of development, and the opportunity to hear the heartbeat before the abortion procedure. However, the patient can decline receiving any of these services.   

I am proud to join Senator Patrick in filing this bill for the upcoming 82nd Legislative Session,” said Rep. Morrison. “I am a firm believer that a patient, no matter the situation, should have access to all information available prior to any medical procedure.”   

“There is no other medical procedure that can better inform a woman about the health of herself and her unborn child than a sonogram,” stated Joe Pojman, executive director of Texas Alliance for Life. “It’s safe, it’s effective, and it is good policy.”   

Currently, 20 states nationwide have enacted a form of sonogram legislation, most recently including Oklahoma, and several states will be considering the legislation in 2011. In many states, the legislation seeks to end a common practice of denying a woman the ability to receive a sonogram image of her unborn child.   

“We require patients to be fully informed before agreeing to a medical procedure, but we do not require the opportunity for a woman to be fully informed about this most vital decision,” said Senator Patrick. “This bill will protect the health and safety of women across the state with the most important tool we have: information.” – This morning, Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston) announced Representative Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria) will be jointly filing.

Rochelle Tafolla of Planned Parenthood of Southeast Texas Responds: 

” It’s not common practice to “deny” women from receiving an ultrasound or an ultrasound image.  This isn’t about “informed consent.” It’s all politics and politicians shouldn’t dictate how medical professionals provide care for their patients.  Doctors, not politicians, know what information and care is best for their patients.”