By Rita Cook
Correspondent
Texas Metro News
Credit: House.Texas.gov
AUSTIN – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sure does seem fixated on legislating morality.
In fact, a good number of our state representatives seem to know better than “we the people” what our moral consciousness should be – is that what we put them in office to do?
Abbott signed a bill during the second session to prevent abortion pills from being mailed into the state from other states.
I am not going to go down the abortion rabbit hole, I am going to say that there is something to be said for pro-choice, common sense and men and women who need to keep their nose out of other people’s business.
In short, lawmakers thought it was a good idea to pass a bill that apparently allows private citizens to sue corporation or people who provide abortion pills to Texas women.
In other words, to hell with minding your own business. Because if you decide to put your nose into my business apparently the law is “Karens” and MEN have free rein now to legislate my morality.
Pharmaceutical companies, medical providers, and even health activists could have to pay up to $100,000 each time they are sued if they lose a case regarding abortion medication.
Another twist, the women taking the medication are not allowed to be sued.
HB7 authored by State Rep. Jeff Leach a Republican from Allen “prohibits the manufacture, mailing, and distribution of abortion-inducing drugs in Texas.”
Texas Freedom Network Political Director Rocío Fierro-Pérez issued this statement“By signing HB 7, Governor Abbott has taken another step in stripping away basic healthcare and personal freedom from Texans. Medication abortion is one of the safest and most common forms of reproductive care, but instead of respecting science and the needs of patients, Abbott has chosen to create fear and confusion. This law places politics above people’s health, cutting off safe options and putting lives at risk.
“Texans deserve the ability to make private medical decisions without interference from politicians, yet Abbott and his allies continue to impose cruel restrictions designed to shame and punish. With HB 7 now law, Texas Freedom Network will continue organizing alongside Texans across the state to resist these attacks, educate communities about their rights, and mobilize voters to demand leaders who put people over politics.”
Abortion medication was already illegal in Texas. However, it was noted Republican lawmakers wanted to take it one step further.
Republican Sen. Bryan Hugues from East Texas who sponsored the bill said he is looking out for women.
“The bill says if you are going to manufacture or ship these illegal, poisonous pills to Texas for the purpose of killing little unborn babies and hurting moms, you will be held accountable,” he said.
In other words, I am going to be your big brother because you are too stupid to take care of yourself.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said they believe HB 7 is far-reaching outside of Texas encouraging “neighbors to police one another.”
The bill does include exceptions for medical emergencies, miscarriages, and ectopic pregnancies and allows physicians to prescribe drugs for legitimate medical purposes.
Rita Cook is a world traveler and writer/editor who specializes in writing on travel, auto, crime and politics. A correspondent for Texas Metro News, she has published 11 books and has also produced low-budget films.
