Religious Leaders Gather to Bless Texas Abortion Clinic

During an hours-long Texas House debate this spring, far-right Representative Matt Schaefer pushed an amendment that would eliminate the fetal abnormality exception to the state ban on abortions after 20 weeks. “Why should a woman be forced to give birth to a baby that will die in birth?” asked Democratic Representative Rafael Anchia. “Because it’s a person created in the image of God,” Schaefer responded.

That amendment proved a step too far for some anti-abortion lawmakers, and it was voted down. What did pass is a sweeping anti-abortion law that includes a so-called dismemberment ban that prevents physicians from performing dilation and evacuation abortions — the most common second-trimester procedure — without first causing “fetal demise.” That provision was championed by anti-abortion group Texas Right to Life, which maintains that “Every life is a gift from God.” Also included in the new law is a requirement that fetal remains be buried after abortions, which is supported by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops.

Anti-abortion advocacy is often inextricably tied to religion, but reproductive rights advocates want to counter that narrative. Late Thursday, clergy gathered at the Whole Woman’s Health abortion clinic in Fort Worth to bless the providers, clinic staff and patients. They sang “Hallelujah.” They prayed.

“There are progressive people of faith, even in Texas,” said Kentina Washington-Leapheart, director of programs for reproductive justice and sexuality education at the Religious Institute.

Read more: https://www.texasobserver.org/religious-leaders-gather-to-bless-texas-abortion-clinic/