Texas lawmakers’ failure to pass critical anti-abortion pill legislation could put thousands of unborn lives at risk despite advancing several other pro-life measures during the 2025 legislative session.
Key Takeaways
- The Woman and Child Protection Act (SB 2880), which would have allowed lawsuits against abortion pill manufacturers and distributors, passed the Senate but stalled in the House
- An estimated 38,000 abortion pills could enter Texas by 2027 without this crucial legislation
- The Stop Tax-Funded Abortion Travel Act (SB 33) successfully passed, preventing cities from funding abortion travel
- The Life of the Mother Act (SB 31) clarifies when doctors can legally perform abortions in medical emergencies
- Texas allocated $200 million for pregnancy centers, adoption agencies, and maternity homes
Critical Protection Bill Stalls in House
The 89th Texas legislative session saw significant activity around abortion legislation, building upon the state’s near-total abortion ban. While several pro-life bills successfully passed, the most crucial measure addressing abortion pills failed to advance. The Woman and Child Protection Act (Senate Bill 2880), designed to combat the growing threat of abortion pills by allowing lawsuits against manufacturers and distributors, passed the Senate but stalled in the House, leaving a dangerous gap in the state’s pro-life framework. The bill contained provisions that would have provided significant legal tools to prevent abortion pills from flowing into Texas from out-of-state sources.
“Texas lawmakers passed bills that will help build a pro-life culture, but House leadership ignored the biggest threat to women and babies: abortion pills,” According to Texas Right to Life, a leading pro-life advocacy organization in the state.
The failure to pass this critical legislation could have devastating consequences. Without these protections, estimates suggest approximately 38,000 abortion pills may enter Texas by 2027, effectively circumventing the state’s abortion restrictions. This represents a significant threat to the unborn and undermines the state’s broader pro-life efforts. Pro-life advocates are now calling on Governor Abbott to convene a special legislative session specifically to address this urgent gap in protection.
Successful Pro-Life Legislation
Despite this significant setback, the legislature did advance several important pro-life measures. Senate Bill 33, known as the Stop Tax-Funded Abortion Travel Act, successfully passed, prohibiting local governments from using public funds to support abortion seekers traveling out of state. This legislation includes provisions allowing civil lawsuits against cities that violate the law, ensuring enforcement mechanisms have teeth. The bill directly counters attempts by liberal city governments to circumvent state abortion laws by funding travel for abortion-seeking women.
“We’re very sensitive to these kinds of debates not becoming loopholes to just allow any abortion that is requested,” Said John Seago, president of Texas Right to Life.
Senate Bill 31, the Life of the Mother Act, represents another legislative victory. This bipartisan effort, developed with input from physicians and anti-abortion groups, clarifies when doctors can legally perform abortions in medical emergencies. The bill addresses concerns about vague wording in previous legislation and reduces severe penalties for doctors acting in good faith during life-threatening pregnancy complications. This measure received support from many Texas OBGYNs who sought clarity and protection while maintaining strong pro-life principles.
Building a Culture of Life
The 2025 legislative session also saw Texas allocate $200 million for pregnancy centers, adoption agencies, and maternity homes, demonstrating a commitment to supporting women and children beyond just restricting abortion. Senate Bill 1207 mandates teaching about adoption in high school health classes, ensuring young Texans understand all options available to them. Senate Bill 1388 protects pregnancy center funding by ensuring these resources go exclusively to pro-life organizations, preventing pro-abortion groups from accessing these vital funds.
“I do think it’s going to clarify and help physicians feel protected to move forward in these really tragic cases — and to protect women’s lives,” Said Dr. Todd Ivey, a Houston OB-GYN and legislative chair for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Texas.
Another significant achievement was Senate Bill 1233, which provides information and support for families with terminally ill preborn children. This compassionate legislation recognizes the humanity of unborn children with severe medical conditions and ensures families receive appropriate care and counseling. Pro-life advocates also succeeded in defeating several dangerous bills that would have repealed existing pro-life laws or added broad abortion exceptions that could undermine protection for the unborn.
The Road Ahead
Despite these significant accomplishments, the failure to address abortion pills represents a critical missed opportunity. The legislative session began with great promise to combat this growing threat, with an estimated 30,000 Texan babies affected annually by out-of-state procedures and abortion drugs. Pro-life organizations are urging continued vigilance and advocacy to protect life at all stages, particularly focusing on the abortion pill threat that remains unaddressed. Conservative lawmakers have pledged to revisit this issue, potentially in a special session, to ensure complete protection for the unborn.
“This may not be something that is everything anybody wants. It may not be something that the more conservative groups may see as really important, or the more progressive groups may see as enough, but it’s really important to get it done,” Said Bee Moorhead, executive director of Texas Impact, regarding the Life of the Mother Act.
The mixed results of the 2025 legislative session demonstrate both the progress and challenges in advancing pro-life policies in Texas. While several important measures succeeded in strengthening protection for mothers and children, the critical gap in addressing abortion pills requires urgent attention. The battle to fully protect unborn life in Texas continues, with pro-life advocates already planning their strategy for addressing this remaining threat in future legislative efforts.
