June 8, 2017: Del Rio News-Herald * OPINION * Letter to the Editor * Bill bans dismemberment abortions
Letter to the Editor,
Bill Bans Dismemberment Abortions
Texas lawmakers passed a bill to protect unborn babies from
brutal dismemberment abortions.
The bill passed the State Senate in a 22-9 vote; State Senator Carlos "Charlie" Uresti, Democrat - San Antonio voted “For”.
This bill prohibits dismemberment abortions, a method typically used in the second trimester to kill nearly fully-formed, living unborn babies.
It is a barbaric and dangerous procedure in which the unborn baby is ripped apart in the womb and pulled out in pieces while his or her heart is still beating.
State Senator Charles Schwertner, Republican - Georgetown, who wrote the bill, said the legislation will “ensure the dignity and protection for the unborn child” in Texas.
Texas Right to Life celebrated the vote on social media, describing it as a “pro-life victory.”
The bill bans two procedures: “dismemberment” and “partial-birth” abortions.
Prohibiting “partial-birth” abortions is a priority of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
It refers to a late-term procedure prohibited by federal law.
State Representative Cindy Burkett, Republican - Sunnyvale, said it’s necessary to enact a statewide ban so authorities can enforce it.
And even though "partial-birth" abortions are already illegal, she said her measure helps align state and federal statute.
State Representative Stephanie Klick, Republican - Fort Worth, added an amendment to the measure that would ban “dismemberment” abortions.
She staunchly stated the importance of the "dismemberment abortion" ban so fetuses would not be "ripped and torn apart."
The bill also would ensure that the bodies of unborn babies who are aborted are treated with dignity by requiring that they be cremated or buried.
The dismemberment abortion ban embodies model legislation from the National Right to Life that would prohibit “dismemberment abortion,” using forceps, clamps, scissors or similar instruments on a living unborn baby to remove him or her from the womb in pieces.
Dismemberment abortion bills have been voted into law in Kansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana.
Marian Casillas, Ed.D.
Del Rio