Texas House Approves Bill to Prohibit Taxpayer Funds for Abortion Travel
AUSTIN — The Texas House of Representatives on Thursday approved Senate Bill 33, also known as the Stop Tax-Funded Abortion Travel Act, with an 87-58 vote. The bill aims to prevent local governments from allocating tax dollars to organizations that assist with out-of-state abortion-related expenses, such as travel and lodging.
The legislation now returns to the Senate for final approval before heading to the governor’s desk.
Supporters of the bill, including Texas Right to Life, say it responds to actions by cities such as San Antonio and Austin, which allocated public funds to groups facilitating abortion access in other states. In 2023, Austin approved $100,000 for an organization that, according to critics, helps minors obtain abortions across state lines, potentially without parental involvement.
“Governments should not compel taxpayers to support procedures that end human life,” said a statement from Texas Right to Life.
On the same day, the House also passed Senate Bill 31, known as the Life of the Mother Act. The bill is designed to clarify existing legal protections for pregnant women facing life-threatening conditions and to ensure health care providers have accurate information about how state law applies in medical emergencies.
While critics argue that Texas’ abortion laws create confusion among medical professionals, supporters of SB 31 contend that the law affirms both maternal health and pro-life protections. Under Texas law, procedures that result in the loss of a preborn child are permitted only when necessary to save the mother’s life.
“Texas must continue to uphold the dignity and value of both mothers and their unborn children,” said Texas Right to Life.
Advocates of stricter abortion regulations also point to the growing use of mail-order abortion pills. According to Texas Right to Life, an estimated 19,000 chemical abortion pills are shipped into Texas annually, despite state restrictions. The organization supports Senate Bill 2880, the Woman and Child Protection Act, which targets what it describes as an “underground network” facilitating access to abortion pills.
Founded in 1973, Texas Right to Life is the state’s oldest and largest pro-life advocacy group, promoting legislation and public education aimed at protecting the lives of the unborn, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations.
