In Case You Missed It: Texas Legislators Support Gov. Perry on Women’s Health Program

A majority of Texas Legislators spoke out in support of Gov. Perry's efforts to enforce state law prohibiting tax dollars from going to abortion providers and their affiliates, which has been in effect since 2005. The members issued statements that were signed by 19 senators and 77 house members.

"The Texas Constitution empowers our legislature with the responsibility to pass the laws that govern our state, and we fully expect and support Gov. Perry's efforts to enforce legislation that was duly passed and signed into law by the governor," the legislators wrote. "The rule of law must be respected in Texas, and there can be no discretion regarding which laws are to be enforced. We stand ready to work with Gov. Perry and other state leaders to continue providing women's health services funded through Senate Bill 7, in full compliance with Texas law."

The Obama Administration has announced it will cease funding Texas' Women's Health Program (WHP) because of the state law, which prohibits organizations like Planned Parenthood who provide abortions and affiliate with abortion providers from participating in the WHP. The law was initially passed in 2005 and reauthorized in 2011 by SB 7. Gov. Perry has announced the state will find funding to continue services to the more than 100,000 low-income Texas women served by WHP.

House Caucus Statement on WHP

Senate Caucus Statement on WHP