Legislative Blog

J.B. Williams, J.D.

Heartbeat for Civil Matters

Heartbeat Law

Brief Summary of Texas

Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.

Heartbeat for Civil Matters Summary

This Act created a civil right of action in abortion matters prior to Roe v Wade being overturned. While I wholeheartedly agree that more people should be able to discuss whether a fetus (or child) is aborted - that is beyond the pregnant mother - I do not think it should be broadly given as a right. I think hearing the father's thoughts and concerns prior to making the decision is just the right thing to do. And perhaps both the paternal and maternal grandparents. Beyond that, a medical professional's input matters. The ultimate decision should be the mother's as long as the decision is made fairly promptly.

This Act takes it to the hearbeat of the fetus. That seems so very early to put a cutoff but including those individuals directly affected in the decision is still important.

One last point - Plan B is meant to prevent pregnancy. It can work if taken within 5 days of having unprotected sex. It will not end the pregnancy if you are already pregnant. Because I keep hearing about it being the abortion pill and was surprised when I did a little research to find it is not one at all. So we need to stop equating taking it to abortion because it is not abortion. It is no different than any other form of birth control.

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J.B. Williams, J.D.

4,312 federal laws were passed from 1995 through December 2016.
Along with 88,819 federal rules and regulations.