With the Texas legislative session halfway through, we wanted to provide an update on the anti-abortion bills before the Legislature and what impact they would have on our patients in Texas.
SB 22 would restrict local governments from partnering with trusted community health organizations like Planned Parenthood. This bill flies in the face of local control and puts public health at risk. After Hurricane Harvey struck our region, PPGC worked with the City of Houston, Harris County, and various community and non-profit partners across the greater Houston area to distribute 3,000 vouchers for no-cost health care services at PPGC health centers. If legislators vote to pass SB 22, crucial partnerships like these would be put at risk.
SB 22 is a priority bill for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and we are fighting as hard as we can to make sure we can continue to provide care for the communities that rely on us. We expect the full Senate to debate the bill and take a vote on it on Monday, April 1.
Now is the time to call your Senators and tell them to vote NO on SB 22. Call 512-213-6781 and let your Senator know you oppose attacks on local health care. You can email your legislators here.
On Monday, the House State Affairs Committee is also set to hold a hearing on HB 1929, the House companion to SB 22. Contact the members of the State Affairs Committee and tell them to OPPOSE HB 1929.
P.S. Want to let your legislators know how you feel in person? Join us on April 11 for Planned Parenthood Texas Lobby Day! Click here to register.