CNA Staff, Jun 12, 2020 / 16:20 pm
The Austin City Council on Thursday voted to provide funding to an abortion organization that helps minors procure abortion without their parents' consent.
The city council chose unanimously June 11 to provide up to $150,000 in funding to Jane's Due Process.
Texas Values, a pro-life group, testified against the measure.
"Today, the Austin City Council engaged in political posturing to see how far they can go before violating SB 22," said Mary Elizabeth Castle, Policy Advisor for Texas Values.
In 2019 Texas adopted SB 22, banning local governments from financially supporting abortion providers. The state law was in reaction to Austin's decision to lease a building to Planned Parenthood for $1 a year.
Castle stated that "the City of Austin should not be spending taxpayer dollars to help end the lives of unborn children."
The Austin city council also voted in September 2019 to provide $150,000 for transportation, childcare, or lodging for Austin residents who are seeking an abortion. Councilman Don Zimmerman has challenged the council's decision in court.
"I am saddened by the recent news that members of the Austin City Council are working on a proposal to increase financial support for access to abortion in the community," Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin had said Aug. 21, 2019.
"I, along with the Catholic Church, continue to affirm the intrinsic value of human life and the dignity of every person in a way that transforms culture," he stated.
In January, the Trump administration approved a Texas women's health program that bars funding for health care providers that perform abortions. The Department of Health and Human Services approved the Medicaid waiver for the Healthy Texas Women program, which helps provide health care and family planning services to tens of thousands of women.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott welcomed the waiver, saying, "The Lone Star State is once again in partnership with the federal government to provide meaningful family planning and health services while fostering a culture of life."
"This collaboration is a symbol of our commitment to championing the lives of Texas women. I am grateful to President Trump and his administration for approving this waiver, and for his commitment to protecting the unborn while providing much-needed health resources to Texas women," Abbott said Jan. 22.
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