The Texas House has finally passed a pro-life bill straight from the governor’s list of 20 agenda items.

HB 214, authored by State Rep. John Smithee (R-Amarillo) removes the packaging of elective abortion into health insurance plans provided both by private companies and public ones, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The coverage would still apply to abortions in the case of “medical emergencies,” however, according to the bill, this definition is essentially only applicable to cases in which the mother’s life is at risk.

Democrats in the House attempted to attach several amendments to the bill that would have expanded the definition of “medical emergencies” to a point where the bill’s effect would have been neutralized. Despite Democrat’s efforts, no amendments were attached to the bill.

The companion bill to HB 214, SB 8 by State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) has already passed through the Senate with a vote along party lines.

The bill is a major win for consumer choice and a big step forward for the right to life here in Texas. It is the third of five pro-life bills to pass the House that Gov. Greg Abbott put on the legislator’s agenda.

Austin Goss

Austin Goss is the Capitol Correspondent for Empower Texans and Texas Scorecard. Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Austin is a Christian, soldier in the United States Army Reserves, and a student at the University of Texas at Austin. Follow Austin on Twitter @AG_Legacy

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