A pro-life law passed in Texas which prohibits abortion after a foetal heartbeat is detected has been slammed by the White House as “an extreme threat.”
In May, the Texas Heartbeat Act, which prohibits abortion once the unborn child’s cardiac activity can be detected, was signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott. This unique moment in a child’s development can occur at six weeks gestation. The near-total ban on abortion came into effect on 2nd September 2021.
The law is expected to lead to an 85% decline in abortion rates, with an estimated 100 baby Texans saved from abortion each day.
In a statement, White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, called the law, which intends to protect some unborn children, an “extreme threat.” She said: “The President’s focus is to reiterate our deep commitment to the constitutional right established by Roe v Wade… This is not the first threat to Roe we have seen in a state across the country. It’s an extreme threat…”
Michael Robinson, SPUC Director of Communications, said: “Jen Psaki’s statement, on behalf of President Biden, was not surprising. Since his inauguration last January, Biden’s Presidency has been underlined as the most pro-abortion regime in U.S history. Biden has incessantly sought to implement pro-abortion policies and funding at home and abroad. Only three months ago, Psaki also refused to recognise a 15-week unborn baby as human.
“It is therefore hardly unexpected that the President would condemn an attempt to protect unborn children and mothers from the violence of abortion.”
Praise from pro-life Texan groups
Despite condemnation from the Presidency, pro-life groups across the United States have taken to social media to celebrate the Texas Heartbeat Law, which has been praised as “a historic moment for the progression of human rights.”
In an online statement, the Texas Alliance for Life said: “We celebrate the lives of the unborn children who will be protected from abortion as a result. Hundreds of pregnancy centres and maternity homes throughout Texas are expanding their capacity and resources to meet the needs of women facing unplanned pregnancies who may seek their support.
“Also, the State of Texas has increased funding for the highly successful Alternatives to Abortion program to $100 million for the biennium to provide services to 150,000 clients per year.”
Texas is not the first U.S state to introduce a heartbeat law. The U.S states of Idaho, Oklahoma and South Carolina have all passed bills prohibiting abortion after a foetal heartbeat is detected. These bills have yet to go into effect.
SPUC’s Mr Robinson added: “Laws, like this one, intended to protect as many unborn children as possible can be seen as a significant stepping stone for the pro-life movement. However, it is still vital that the pro-life community continues its efforts to protect all human life from the moment of conception.”