Texas Gov. Abbott Signs Law Banning Taxpayer-Funded Abortion Travel, a Win For Pro-Life Activists

Like forcing a vegetarian to buy meat for their neighbor’s barbecue, liberal city councils in Texas have been reaching into conservative taxpayers’ pockets to fund something that violates their deepest moral convictions. It’s the kind of government overreach that makes you wonder if these politicians have completely lost their minds.

For months, the Austin City Council has been playing fast and loose with taxpayer money, allocating hundreds of thousands of dollars to help women travel out of state for abortions. And we’re not talking about a few dollars here and there … Austin earmarked a staggering $400,000 in 2024 alone.

Let me repeat that: nearly half a million dollars of your money for airfare, hotels, meals, and other expenses tied to abortion access. San Antonio officials considered following suit with similar programs earlier this year.

This isn’t just about abortion politics. It’s about fundamental fairness and whether local governments can force citizens to financially support actions that directly contradict their values. Conservative Texans, who make up the majority of the state’s population, have watched their tax dollars get hijacked by progressive city councils pushing an agenda that most residents never voted for.

Since when did city councils get to override the values of the people who elected them?

Abbott Takes Action

But Governor Greg Abbott just put an end to this taxpayer-funded travesty. Earlier this month, on August 19, Abbott signed Senate Bill 33 into law, effectively banning local governments from using public funds to cover abortion-related travel and logistics. The new law, which takes effect September 1, explicitly prohibits cities and counties from paying for transportation, lodging, meals, or any other expenses connected to out-of-state abortion access.

At the bill signing ceremony, surrounded by state lawmakers and pro-life leaders including members of Texas Values, Abbott made his position crystal clear (and honestly, it’s about time someone did) about where Texas stands on protecting both life and taxpayer rights.

In a statement, Governor Abbott said:

“In Texas, we support mothers and their children. I am also proud to sign a law to ban taxpayer dollars from funding abortions. Texas is a pro-life and pro-family state. With these laws, we will stay that way.”

The legislation, championed by Republican Senator Donna Campbell and Representative Candy Noble, represents more than just a policy victory. It’s a reassertion of state sovereignty over rogue city councils that thought they could circumvent Texas law by bankrolling abortion tourism.

Protecting Life and Doctors

But Abbott didn’t stop there. He simultaneously signed Senate Bill 31, the Life of the Mother Act, which provides crucial clarity for healthcare providers treating life-threatening pregnancy complications. The law ensures doctors can provide necessary care without fear of prosecution while maintaining Texas’s strong pro-life stance. It specifically protects physicians when treating miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, making clear these medical interventions aren’t classified as abortions.

This is what conservative governance looks like in action. While liberal cities tried to make an end-run around state law with taxpayer money, Abbott and the Texas Legislature stood firm. And many in the state are applauding.

The Lone Star State has sent a clear message: you can’t force Texans to subsidize what they fundamentally oppose.

Other red states should take note – this is how you protect both taxpayer rights and unborn lives (something Washington could learn from, by the way). Look, we all know the fight isn’t over; liberals never give up that easily. But for now, Texas taxpayers can rest easier knowing their money won’t fund someone else’s abortion vacation.

Key Takeaways

• Governor Abbott banned Texas cities from using taxpayer funds for abortion travel expenses
• Austin’s $400,000 abortion travel fund sparked conservative backlash and state action
• The Life of Mother Act protects doctors treating pregnancy emergencies

Sources: Breitbart, Townhall.com, LifeNews.com

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