“The Supreme Court got it right by not blocking the Texas Heartbeat law, which is the first-ever law of its type to go into effect. Thousands of babies will be spared from abortion … Texas wins and life wins!” -Jonathan Saenz, President, Texas Values

If you listen to one podcast, listen to today’s Engage Arizona with my colleague, Jonathan Saenz, from Texas Values. We’re grateful for the leadership of Jonathan and many in Texas to pursue a groundbreaking approach to protecting unborn babies and their mothers. As Jonathan wrote:

“The Texas Heartbeat Act is the first ever law of its type to go into effect. … babies and mothers will be spared from an abortion in Texas when a baby’s heartbeat is detected. God bless Texas.”

Most expected the U.S. Supreme Court would step in and block the implementation of Texas’ new heartbeat law. But it didn’t. The clock struck midnight Tuesday without Supreme Court action and suddenly most abortions in Texas were illegal.

Again, many expected the reprieve would be short and the Court would soon step in. When the Court did speak, the biggest victory for preborn babies reverberated throughout the country: Texas’ new heartbeat law would stand…at least for now.

The 5-4 ruling was not on the constitutionality of the law, which can and likely will be challenged later, but it does mean an estimated 150 preborn babies are saved and as many women are spared the pain and regret of abortion every day the law is in effect. It is truly an historic achievement!

Texas’ new law prohibits abortion after a baby’s heartbeat can be detected, about six weeks gestation. Because that is usually before a woman knows she is pregnant, the law prohibits virtually all abortions in the state.

Every other state to pass a heartbeat law has lost in court. What makes the Texas law different is the fact that it allows individuals, private citizens, to bring civil lawsuits against abortion providers and others involved in providing an abortion, but not the woman having the abortion. Other heartbeat laws, as well as most pro-life laws charge the state with enforcement of the laws.

News reports reveal abortion clinics in Texas are turning away women seeking abortions. This is a victory for Texas, for women and babies throughout America. But the response from pro-abortion activists is strong, defiant, and stunning when you consider they are furious because they can no longer take human life.

Planned Parenthood: “It’s an incredibly dark day”

AZ Planned Parenthood: “Just know fighting back doesn’t mean [expletive] hats or petitions. Be ready to break some [expletive].”

Planned Parenthood tweeted: “Know this: No matter what, we aren’t backing down and we are still fighting. Everyone deserves access to abortion.”

President Joe Biden: “This extreme Texas law is a blatant violation of the constitutional rights established under the Roe v. Wade.”

NARAL Pro-choice America: “Undoubtedly, this law paves the way for anti-selective militants to turn their dystopian vision into a terrifying reality, not just in Texas, but across the country.”

Perhaps the most tasteless take comes from an opinion writer for the Arizona Republic who compares the law to terrorism with the headline: “Texas Goes Taliban on Abortion Rights…”

Pro-abortion politicians are doubling down on their efforts to expand abortion in the face of the ruling. Some are calling for the end of the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits taxpayer dollars from funding abortions. Others promise to step up abortion efforts by various other means.

What’s next?

The law will likely face a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality, but in the meantime, it is the law of the land in Texas, saving lives every single day it remains in effect.

The Supreme Court has already agreed to hear a challenge to Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Org. this term. Briefs have already been filed and we can expect hearings as early as this fall, with a ruling by June of next year.

Center for Arizona Policy continues to monitor all pro-life laws in other states, their progress through the courts, and the possibility of further expanding Arizona’s pro-life laws. We look forward to a day when abortion is not only illegal, but unthinkable.

Help Not Harm

As the “transgender movement” escalates, it’s taking our children with it. In an effort to protect these children, our partners at Family Policy Alliance have a movement of their own. Center for Arizona Policy and others have joined the endeavor to ensure children struggling with sexuality issues get “Help, Not Harm.”

Help Not Harm is our answer to the gender war on our children. We have a vision of a country where children are offered real help, not the harm of experimental hormones and surgery. A nation where wounds are healed, not created. A place where children have room to embrace the person God made them to be – not pushed to change their entire body. – Family Policy Alliance

FPA launched the effort this week. Visit the website here for information or to get involved. Also, sign up here for a virtual Q&A with a doctor to learn:

• The long-term dangers of “transitioning”
• Answers to common questions
• Meaningful ways to help struggling children

Sign up for the virtual event happening September 14 at 10:00am

ICYMI

• Read Al Mohler’s take on the Texas heartbeat law and how election consequences played a role.
• Read here about one teacher’s effort to revolutionize his students.
• Read here about a coalition of 20 Attorneys General who signed onto a lawsuit challenging President Biden’s Executive Order threatening women’s sports. Arizona’s Attorney General, Mark Brnovich signed onto the suit.

 

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