Abortion and abortion trafficking have been outlawed in Camp County (pop. 13,039).
The ordinance was passed in a unanimous 5-0 vote by Judge A.J. Mason and County Commissioners Jed Hefner, Tommy Rozell, Perry Weeks, and Steve Lindley. The passage of the measure made the county the eighth in the state to outlaw abortion. The county follows Mitchell (pop. 9,070), Goliad (pop. 7,012), Cochran (pop. 2,547), Lubbock (pop. 317,561), Dawson (12,130), Jack (pop. 8,875), and Shackelford (pop. 3,105) counties. After the vote, Judge Mason shared, “I can think of no greater cause to be a part of than defending those who can’t defend themselves. This is a great day.”
Camp County Judge and Commissioners
Executive Director for East Texans for Liberty Stacy McMahan shared, “We are eternally grateful to the Camp County Commissioners Court for being the first county in East Texas to unanimously pass a Sanctuary County for the Unborn ordinance … Have you seen the sign at the abortion clinic in New Mexico that says, ‘Welcome East Texans…’? It is heartbreaking, and I cannot understand why any county or city would not address this issue promptly.”
McMahan continued, saying that she hoped every city and county in her area would prayerfully consider the passage of a Sanctuary for the Unborn ordinance.
In a post on Facebook, State Rep. Cole Hefner (HD 5) shared, “While I couldn’t be there in person due to session in Austin, I’m incredibly proud to celebrate some powerful news out of Camp County this morning. With a unanimous 5-0 vote, the Commissioners’ Court passed an ordinance officially making Camp County a Sanctuary County for the Unborn — the first in East Texas, the eighth in our state, and the tenth in the entire nation to do so. This bold step not only outlaws abortion within the unincorporated areas of the county, but it also prohibits abortion trafficking and the aiding and abetting of elective abortions—even when those efforts begin or pass through Camp County.”
Hefner continued, “I commend Judge A.J. Mason and the entire Commissioners’ Court for their courage and commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us. This isn’t just a symbolic statement—it’s a legally enforceable action that honors the sanctity of life and strengthens Texas’ stance as a leader in the fight for the unborn. I’m proud to stand with Camp County as they take a bold stand for life.”
The ordinance puts into place six provisions
(1) prohibiting performing elective abortions and aiding or abetting elective abortions within the unincorporated area of the county,
(2) prohibiting elective abortions on residents of the unincorporated area of the county, regardless of where the abortion takes place,
(3) prohibiting abortion trafficking,
(4) prohibiting abortion-inducing drugs,
(5) prohibiting criminal abortion organizations from doing business inside the unincorporated area of the county, and
(6) prohibiting the transport and disposal of the remains of unborn children killed by an elective abortion by abortion providers outside of the State of Texas from being brought through or disposed of in the unincorporated area of the county.
In addition to providing protections for pregnant mothers and their unborn children, the ordinance also educates about the Thriving Texas Families Program and directs people to the Texas Pregnancy Care Network website and The Pregnancy Network website operated by Human Coalition to be connected to the program’s services.
The ordinance, which was written to help end abortion in America, is a part of a cultural shift that looks at abortion trafficking the same way as drug trafficking or sex trafficking. As a result of the ordinance’s passage, it is now illegal for anyone to use the sections of U.S. Highway 271, State Highway 11, and all sections of all other roads found in the unincorporated area of the county for abortion trafficking.
Like the Texas Heartbeat Act, the county ordinance is only enforced through a private enforcement mechanism, allowing lawsuits to be filed by citizens against anyone who violates the ordinance. The ordinance does not allow for any lawsuit to be filed against the mother of the unborn child, but only against those who are assisting her in the killing of her child—when they cross the unincorporated area of the county.
The ordinance is in line with several pieces of statewide legislation being entertained this session.
The Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn initiative has seen a total of 84 political subdivisions pass ordinances going as far as possible to prohibit abortion within their jurisdictions. Those who wish to see their county pass an ordinance further outlawing abortion are encouraged to sign the online petition.
Right to Life Across Texas Director Mark Lee Dickson takes a picture with Judge A.J. Mason and the Camp County Commissioners.
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