A freshman Texas legislator filed a bill that would result in a physician losing their license if they perform an elective abortion.
Texas State Representative Valoree Swanson (R-Spring) filed “The Texas Physician Abortion Ban” bill on Tuesday. It is the first bill she has filed as a new legislator.
Swanson calls the bill “A new approach to preventing elective abortion-on-demand.”
Under House Bill 1049, a doctor would lose their license to practice medicine in Texas if they perform an elective abortion. It amends the Texas Occupation Code where it pertains to the prohibited acts of a physician or applicant for a medical license.
The bill provides that it is not a “prohibited practice” under the Code if:
there exists a condition that, in a physician’s reasonable medical judgment, so complicates the medical condition of the woman that, to avert the woman’s death or a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, other than a psychological condition, it necessitates the abortion;
the abortion is to remove an ectopic pregnancy; or
the woman is pregnant with multiple unborn children, [and] the abortion is necessary to ensure that at least one unborn child is born alive and healthy.
“As we approach the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, it is clear from science that the Court erred 44 years ago,” said Rep. Swanson. “While that remains the law of the land at present, Texas should not be in the business of licensing and thus endorsing its practice.”
Swanson said that The Republican Party of Texas (RPT) has long held the belief that the practice of elective abortion should be stopped. Ultrasound and DNA evidence now show “the humanity and therefore the inherent right to life of the unborn baby,” she says. Swanson noted that abolishing abortion was one of the top five legislative priorities named at the RPT convention last year.
“The time to end abortion is here,” said Swanson. “The State of Texas has a strong interest in having our licensed physicians save lives, not terminate them.”
“Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. Above all, I must not play at God,” said the press release from her office quoting the Hippocratic Oath.
If passed, the legislation would take effect on September 1, 2017.
Elizabeth Graham of Texas Right to Life told Breitbart Texas, “Texas Right to Life appreciates that so many legislators stand with us to protect life. Representative Swanson campaigned on an unwavering prolife position, and she is already working to keep that commitment to protect life.”
Lana Shadwick is a contributing writer and legal analyst for Breitbart Texas. She has served as a prosecutor and associate judge in Texas. Follow her on Twitter @LanaShadwick2.
Texas Physician Abortion Ban – Texas House Bill 1049 by Swanson by lanashadwick on Scribd
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