Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

December 2014 – An October ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has had a major impact on the safety of unborn children in the state of Texas. 

In early 2011, random undercover investigations showed multiple violations of health codes and basic safety regulations within abortion facilities. Forty-one abortion mills were operating across the state in May 2013, but after Texas lawmakers passed legislation in November 2013 during a special session called by Governor Rick Perry, that number was drastically reduced to 22. 

Known as HB2, this legislation garnered widespread support from Texas pro-life groups. Not only does HB2 protect women from substandard medical care by requiring ambulatory surgical center regulations to be met by each facility and abortionists to have admitting privileges at hospitals within a 30-mile radius, but it also banned most abortions after 20 weeks gestation. 

Following legal action by owners of abortion facilities, a stay was placed on enforcement of HB2 after a lower court ruled the legislation unconstitutional. 

The October 2014 ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals allowed HB2 to be enforced in its entirety by state officials while the lower court ruling awaits appeal. 

contraceptionjournal.org; lifenews.com; operationrescue.org