St. David's Advocacy Group Supports Texas Life of the Mother Act
The Texas Life of the Mother Act passed the Texas Legislature last week. The Texas Senate unanimously passed the legislation, and the Texas House passed Senate Bill 31 with bipartisan support in a 134-4 vote on May 22, 2025. This law is meant to clarify the state’s abortion law by allowing doctors to perform medically necessary abortions if a pregnant person is facing life-threatening complications.
For several months, the St. David's Advocacy Group participated in efforts to support this legislation organized by Texas Impact, the state's oldest and largest interfaith advocacy group, and the Health and Justice Advocacy Network (HJAN). Throughout the 2025 legislative session, St. David's Advocacy Group, clergy, and staff offered testimony, met with legislators, registered our support, organized phone and postcard submissions from constituents, and attended public hearings on the bill. There were several walks to the Texas State Capitol this year!
On March 12, 2025, at the invitation of Texas Impact, a press conference was held inviting faith leaders to speak on the issues raised by this bill. Associate Rector the Rev. Hope Tinsley Benko and the Rev. Chad McCall from St. David's were in attendance with our Advocacy Group. Dianne Hardy-Garcia, St. David's director of Community Engagement and Advocacy, spoke at the press conference.
On March 27, the Rt. Rev. Kai Ryan, bishop suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, testified for the bill in the Senate State Affairs Committee. Our Advocacy Group was deeply moved by her presence.
We want to thank everyone who worked together on this effort to provide this life-saving healthcare for women in Texas. We believe all our voices and efforts made a difference.
Advocacy for Texas Life of the Mother Act in the 2025 Legislative Session
As part of the Episcopalian call to respond to human need and seek to build a better world, St. David’s Advocacy Group advocates for public policies that help us all live in a more just and compassionate world.
New members are invited to join this work; no experience is necessary!
Meetings are usually on the first Sunday of the month at 11 a.m.
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