AUSTIN, Texas, -- Gov. George W. Bush said in his State of the State Address on January 27, 1999 that passing parental involvement legislation would be a top priority for his office during the 76th Texas Legislature. If passed, this would be the first time since the Roe v. Wade decision that Texas parents would be able to guide their minor daughters' health care regarding the invasive surgical procedure known as abortion.
There are three bills that Bush highly supports, one being a parental consent bill, the other two being parental notification bills. The parental consent bill, which is authored by Sen. Jane Nelson, would allow an abortion with the consent of at least one parent. The notification bills, which are authored by Sen. Florence Shapiro and Rep. Dianne Delisi, would allow an abortion after a parent has been notified.
A poll released March 3, 1997 indicates that 73% of Texans are in favor of parental notification legislation. Joseph Kral, legislative director of the Texas Right to Life Committee stated, "This is a great day for parents. Gov. Bush has taken the first steps to ensure that parents' rights will be restored, enabling them to guide their minor daughters' health care and well being. Texas Right to Life applauds the Governor for making parental involvement a top priority for his administration." Kral continued, "This legislation not only restores the rights of parents, but also protects minor women as well." Recent national studies have indicated that many minor women who become impregnated are typically the victims of the sexual abuse of much older males. Abortion without the involvement of parents only gives these sexual predators protection to continue their abuse.
Texas Right to Life
6776 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 430,
Houston, Texas 77074
713-782-LIFE
Fax: 713-952-2041
www.texasrighttolife.com
txprolife@infohwy.com