RELEASE: RPT Platform Expands Protections for Healthcare Conscience Rights, Children, and Unborn Life
Houston, TX. – June 17, 2026: Delegates to the 2026 Republican Party of Texas Convention adopted platform language strengthening medical conscience protections, advancing a child-centered approach to assisted reproductive technologies, and expanding pro-life protections against abortion travel funding—key policy priorities supported by Texas Values throughout the convention process.
Jonathan Covey, Director of Policy for Texas Values, stated:
“The message from Texas Republicans is simple: protect conscience, put children first, and defend life. This platform reflects the values of Texans who believe faith should not be punished, children should not be commodified, and innocent life deserves protection. Strong principles deserve strong laws.”
One of the most significant accomplishments was the adoption of expanded language in the Conscience Protections plank. The revised plank calls on the Legislature to enact comprehensive protections for healthcare professionals, including protections against adverse action and retaliation for exercising their sincerely held moral or religious beliefs. The plank also supports legislation ensuring healthcare professionals have a private right of action to seek injunctive relief, recover actual damages, and obtain attorney’s fees and court costs when their conscience rights are violated.
Texas Values also successfully supported additions to Plank 129 (Child First Conception Act) addressing concerns related to third-party egg and sperm donation. The language reinforces the principle that public policy should prioritize the welfare, rights, and interests of children while addressing the growing ethical concerns surrounding assisted reproductive technologies and the commercialization of human reproduction.
Delegates also adopted new pro-life language in Planks 58 and 218(m) calling for prohibitions on private entities funding interstate travel for the purpose of obtaining an elective abortion. These additions address efforts by corporations and other organizations to facilitate abortions outside Texas and reinforce the state’s commitment to protecting unborn life and preventing the circumvention of Texas law.
The Republican Party of Texas Platform serves as a roadmap for conservative policymaking and reflects the priorities of Republican voters across the state. Texas Values is grateful for the delegates and grassroots activists who worked throughout the convention process to advance these important protections for life, faith, family, and freedom.
Texas Values law and policy team members are available for comment. To schedule an interview, please email Ashley at media@txvalues.org or call 737-314-2450 (m).
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About Texas Values
Texas Values is the largest statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at txvalues.org.