Anti-Abortion Bill REMOVED From Committee

In a time when the line between right and wrong is increasingly blurred, Texas House Bill 2197 (HB 2197) stood as a beacon of clarity and conviction—one that boldly affirmed a fundamental truth rooted in science and Scripture: life begins at conception. Authored by Representative Brent Money (R-Greenville), this bill sought to extend equal protection under the law to the most vulnerable among us—the unborn. It rightly recognizes preborn children are human beings, deserving of the same legal protections and rights as those already born.

House Bill 2197 would have made it a criminal offense to participate in the intentional termination of an unborn child’s life, treating abortion as murder and with the same seriousness as the ending of any other innocent human life. This legislation did not criminalize miscarriages or the provision of life-saving care to pregnant mothers. Instead, it drew a moral and legal line in the sand, stating clearly: all human life is sacred, and the law must reflect that sacredness.

As conservative Christians, we hold to the truth that every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The unborn are no exception. They are not “potential” life—they are life. And as such, they should be protected, cherished, and defended with every means available in a just and moral society.

Despite the moral and legal strength of this bill, it was pulled from consideration by Chairman John Smithee (R-Amarillo) of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. Many faithful Texans traveled to Austin prepared to testify in defense of the unborn and call on their government to do what is right. But their voices were silenced when the bill was shelved without due consideration just twelve hours before the committee hearing was set to begin. To add insult to injury, Representative Jeff Leach (R-Allen) claimed this legislation was “rightfully” removed, promoting his own legislation instead.

Let us be clear: the intentional killing of innocent life is never acceptable, and our laws should reflect this truth with consistency and conviction. If we believe justice means equal protection for all, then it is a gross moral failure to exclude the unborn from that promise.

To the committee members, especially Chairman Smithee, we say this: you were elected to uphold justice—not political convenience. Pulling this bill is not only a legislative misstep, it is a moral failing that will be remembered.

We call on the Texas legislature to give House Bill 2197 a fair hearing. Let the people speak. Let the truth be heard. And let Texas lead the nation in affirming the most basic human right: the right to life—for all, born and unborn.

This is not just a political issue. It is a spiritual and moral one. And we will not back down until every child in the womb is afforded the same protection under the law as every child in the crib.