Thanks to the leadership of Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and many dedicated pro-life lawmakers and advocates, the 89th Texas Legislature delivered key victories for life during its Regular and Special Sessions. Lawmakers also successfully rejected all efforts to weaken Texas’ pro-life laws or expand abortion access.
89th Regular Session Pro-Life Accomplishments
Pro-Life State Budget
SB 1 by Sen. Joan Huffman/Rep. Greg Bonnen continues defunding Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers. Provides $200M for the Thriving Texas Families Program, which supports pregnancy centers, maternity homes, and adoption agencies. Maintains robust funding for life-affirming programs and women’s health services.
Life of the Mother Act
SB 31 by Sen. Bryan Hughes/Rep. Charlie Geren ensures physicians and hospital attorneys understand the standard of care Texas law allows when a mother’s life or health is at risk due to pregnancy. It also streamlines the medical necessity exception language across all statutes to align with the Human Life Protection Act, TAL’s top legislative priority, now protecting life in Texas from conception. A lifesaving, life-affirming step forward. Click here to watch Dr. Pojman’s testimony.
Ending Taxpayer-Funded Abortion Travel and Logistics
SB 33 by Sen. Donna Campbell/ Rep. Candy Noble builds on previous legislation prohibiting the use of state and local funds for abortion procedures by banning taxpayer-funded abortion travel and logistics support. Click here to watch Dr. Pojman’s testimony.
Safeguarding Thriving Texas Families Program Funds
SB 1388 by Sen. Lois Klokhorst/ Rep. James Frank guarantees Thriving Texas Families Grants are directed exclusively to life-affirming organizations that serve women and families across Texas. Click here to watch Amy’s testimony and Dr. Pojman’s testimony.
Perinatal Palliative Care Information
SB 1233 by Sen. Kelly Hancock/Rep. Valoree Swanson requires perinatal palliative care support information be offered to families facing life-limiting or fatal diagnoses for an unborn child, offering support and ensuring compassionate care and informed choices. Click here to watch Amy’s testimony.
Texas Life Monument at the Capitol
SCR 19 by Sen. Tan Parker/Rep. Caroline Harris Davila authorizes a privately funded Texas Life Monument to be placed on the grounds of the Texas Capitol to honor mothers and unborn babies. Click here to watch Ashley’s testimony.
Bereavement Support for Infant Loss
HB 37 by Rep. Mihaela Plesa/Sen. Joan Huffman expands access to bereavement care and cuddle cot services to support families facing infant loss. Click here to watch Jacqueline’s testimony and Andrew’s testimony.
Other Pro-Life Accomplishments of the Regular and Special 89th Legislative Sessions
- Promoting Adoption Education (SB 1207 by Sen. Phil King/Rep. Terri Leo Wilson)permits public schools to include adoption as a positive parenting option.
- Protecting the Dignity of the Deceased (SB 456 by Sen. Mayes Middleton/Rep. Janie Lopez). Increases the penalty for illegally selling human organs.
- No Rollback of Pro-Life Laws. Despite multiple attempts, no legislation was passed that would weaken protection for unborn babies with disabilities, life-limiting diagnoses, or those conceived in rape. Texas’s strong pro-life laws remained fully intact.
89th Second Special Session Pro-Life Accomplishments
Mail-Order Abortion Drug Accountability (HB 7 by Rep. Jeff Leach/Sen. Bryan Hughes). While mailing abortion inducing drugs into Texas was already illegal, HB 7 creates a new civil cause of action to hold providers and organizations accountable if they violate the law by mailing abortion drugs into the state.
These accomplishments reflect years of strategic advocacy, collaboration, and commitment to protecting life in Texas. We are grateful to every legislator, advocate, and supporter who helped make these victories possible.