Republican Party of Texas Statement on Leaked Supreme Court Opinion Overturning Roe v Wade

A leak of this nature has never happened before in the history of the Supreme Court and should be taken very seriously. Whether the intent was to influence the outcome of the case or prompt a legislative response, this leak is damaging to the independence of the judiciary, the integrity of the Court and the rule of law. It should be investigated by the FBI and those responsible should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

When Roe is overturned, the voters of each state will have the ability to decide if abortion is legal where they live and under what conditions. The RPT platform calls for the reversal of Roe v Wade and the abolition of abortion. To this end, it was a legislative priority of the Republican Party of Texas for the 87^th Texas Legislative Session to abolish abortion, and we supported 11 bills on the subject.

One of the most significant was HB1280, proposed by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione and Sen. Angela Paxton and signed into law by Gov. Abbott, which would prohibit abortion in Texas when the Supreme Court overrules, wholly or partly, Roe v. Wade. As a result, if the leaked decision is ultimately rendered, unborn children will be legally protected in Texas.

The Republican Party of Texas supports facilitating adoptions and providing assistance to mothers in need both during and after their pregnancies. To this end, the Texas Legislature has greatly increased funding for the Alternatives to Abortion program, which received $100 million for the biennium. This program gives mothers access to needed resources during their pregnancy.  After delivery, the program continues to assist the new mom and child by providing items like diapers, formula, and parenting classes. Additionally private nonprofit crisis pregnancy centers like Birth Choice in Dallas, the Trotter House in Austin, and Houston Pregnancy Help Center in Houston provide services to assist mothers during and after pregnancy.

We are witnessing history right now. We do not know what the coming hours or days will bring. But we are hopeful for a future that once again protects innocent life. Join us in prayer.