By: KIM ROBERTS

The Texas Local Government Code provides, “An amendment may not contain more than one subject.”

In its petition, Texas Alliance for Life acknowledges that courts have allowed cities to hold elections on proposals that make multiple amendments to a city charter, but note that all were dealing with a single subject.

However, in this case, the subject matters vary from marijuana possession to abortion crimes so that residents who may agree with one issue could disagree on another, but would be forced to cast only one vote for or against the entire proposal.

In its reply brief, the city made a procedural argument that the petition should have first been presented to an appellate court before coming to the Texas Supreme Court.

Regarding multiple subjects in the charter amendment, the city argued that it “plausibly read the proposed ‘Justice Policy’ charter amendment language as relating to one subject.”

It also asserted that petitioners Texas Alliance for Life and Morris are premature in their challenge, and instead should challenge the amendment after the election should it be approved by voters.

By: BRAD JOHNSON

For anti-abortion activists, this time constraint is a big step in the right direction.

“Our goal is to create a society where no woman would even consider having an abortion because she believes there is no alternative. We have vast alternatives,” said Joe Pojman, Founder of Texas Alliance for Life.

Instead of seeking an abortion, Pojman wants pregnant women to visit the nearly 200 crisis pregnancy centers in Texas, where he says they can find support.

By: Daniel Friend

Texas Alliance for Life also noted the order on social media, asking anyone aware of violations of the order to send documentation to them.

Following Abbott’s executive order, it remained unclear if abortions would need to be postponed, given the exemption in the order for non-essential procedures provided that they “would not deplete the hospital capacity or the personal protective equipment needed to cope with the COVID-19 disaster.”

By: TONY GUAJARDO

Joe Pojman, executive director of Texas Alliance for Life responded to a request from The Texan to comment on Texas’ pro-life accomplishments in the 2019 legislature.

Pojman said, “We view this as a successful session highlighted by the passing of HB16, The Texas Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, SB 22 to defund Planned Parenthood at the local level, and increased funding for compassionate alternatives to abortion.”

HB 16 would require a physician to preserve the life and health of a child born alive after an abortion, just as they would to any other child born alive at the same gestational age. The bill includes a requirement that the physician who performed or attempted the abortion immediately transfers the born alive child to a hospital.

A physician who fails to provide the appropriate medical treatment to a child born alive after an abortion would be liable to the state for a civil penalty of at least $100,000. The attorney general would also be authorized to bring a suit to collect the penalty as well.

But not all pro-life advocates see this as a major win.

Kimberlyn Schwartz, media director with Texas Right to Life, was tempered in her characterization of HB 16.

She said, “Although symbolizing pro-life values, HB 16 does not stop abortion.”

SB 22 was enacted to prohibit taxpayer dollars at both the state and local level from being used to fund abortion facilities and affiliates. Exemptions are made for licensed hospitals, licensed physician offices that perform fewer than 50 abortions per year, state hospitals, teaching hospitals, and accredited residency programs.

Both Texas Alliance for Life and Texas Right to Life view SB 22 as a noteworthy pro-life victory.

Pojman also mentioned SB 24, which ensures women receive information on alternatives to abortion, and HB 902 which increase penalties for assaulting pregnant women, as significant wins.