Published

June 02, 2021

NEWS RELEASE:
Texas Alliance for Life Applauds Texas Legislature for Record Funding of State’s Successful Alternatives to Abortion Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2021

CONTACT
Amy O’Donnell
512.477.1244 (o)
amy@texasallianceforlife.org

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Legislature ended its regular session on May 31. Key among the successes was adopting a two-year budget that vastly increases funding for the state’s Alternatives to Abortion (A2A) program. A2A’s goals are reducing abortions, improving pregnancy outcomes, child health and development, and families’ economic self-sufficiency. The state’s biennial Appropriations Act, SB 1, by Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound), and Rep. Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood), increases funding from $80 million to $100 million for the program, a 25% increase over the last two-year budget. SB 1 has gone to pro-life Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature.

The Legislature created the Alternatives to Abortion program in 2005, and implementation began in 2006. In fiscal year 2020, the program serviced more than 101,000 unique clients with various services across the state for Texas mothers, fathers, and children before, during, and up to three years after birth. Adoptive parents are also covered for up to two years after adoption finalization. More than 80 agencies participated from some 170 locations.

The program’s services include counseling, mentoring, educational information; classes on pregnancy, parenting, adoption, life skills, and employment readiness; material assistance such as car seats, clothing, diapers, and formula; and housing through maternity homes. Additionally, care coordination through referrals to government assistance programs and other social service programs are also offered to promote self-sufficiency.

“We are thrilled that the Texas Legislature has substantially increased funding for the highly successful Alternatives to Abortion program,” said Dr. Joe Pojman, executive director for Texas Alliance for Life. “In addition to protecting unborn babies from abortion through the passage of the Human Life Protection Act and the Texas Heartbeat Act, Texas is also committed to helping new mothers and fathers through the journey up to, including, and for three years after the birth of a child.”

Additionally, Texas funds more than half of all births in the state through the Medicaid Program, which covers prenatal care for the mother and unborn child, childbirth, and medical costs for the next 12 months for the unborn child. The Legislature also passed HB 133 by Rep. Tony Rose (R-Dallas) and Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) to increase coverage for the mother from two to six months after birth.

For more information on the Alternatives to Abortion program in Texas, click here.

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