Texas Senate Passes Pro-Life Heartbeat Bill

Today, the Texas Senate passed SB 8, the Texas Heartbeat Bill, by Texas Senator Bryan Hughes to engrossment by a vote of 19-12.

The Texas Heartbeat Bill requires physicians to check for a baby’s heartbeat and inform the mother if the presence of a heartbeat is detected. Once a heartbeat is detected, the doctor must take all necessary steps to protect the life of the child. The bill also creates civil liability for aiding and abetting an abortion. Representative Shelby Slawson is carrying HB 1515 – the House companion bill for SB 8.

Today is a historic day: the Texas Senate took the first step forward in saving thousands of lives with the passage of SB 8.  A heartbeat is an essential indicator of life and every heartbeat deserves a chance to live that life abundantly,” said Mary Elizabeth Castle, Policy Advisor for Texas Values.

In Texas, over 57,000 unborn children were aborted in 2019. With advancements in technology and science, the heartbeat has become a key medical predictor of whether an unborn child will reach live birth. Several other states have passed heartbeat legislation in the past few years. SB 8 recognizes the heartbeat as a universal indicator of life and could protect an unborn child as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy.

Our legislative action arm, Texas Values Action, is encouraging all Texans to contact your Texas legislators and ask them to support the Texas Heartbeat Bill and other pro-life legislation.

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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

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