A coalition of Texas lawmakers, conservative organizations, and pro-life activists is urging Governor Greg Abbott to revive a failed bill targeting the distribution of abortion pills during a special legislative session set to begin July 21.
In a June 24 letter led by Dr. John Seago, President of Texas Right to Life, more than 80 signatories—including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, eight state senators, and 29 members of the Texas House—called on Abbott to include the Woman and Child Protection Act (Senate Bill 2880) in the session’s agenda. The letter claims the bill offers a “strategic and compassionate solution” to what it describes as the “alarming threat of abortion pills.”
A Renewed Push After a Missed Opportunity
SB 2880, which failed to advance in the regular legislative session, aims to curb access to chemical abortion drugs in Texas. Among its provisions are expanded enforcement powers for the state attorney general, a civil liability clause for wrongful death of a fetus, and a private right of action allowing individuals to sue those who distribute or promote abortion pills. Supporters say it is designed to hold manufacturers and distributors accountable, not the women who use the pills.
“Mailing these deadly pills or administering them in Texas for abortion is already illegal,” Seago wrote in the letter. “However, we need better tools to fight this growing evil.”
Despite support from a broad segment of the Republican-led legislature, the bill stalled late in the regular session. After lingering for weeks in the House State Affairs Committee, it was voted out by Chair Ken King (R-Canadian) on May 23—but it never made it to the Calendars Committee, effectively killing its chance for a House floor vote.
Political Support Growing
Alongside Lt. Gov. Patrick, the letter was signed by several influential senators, including Sens. Angela Paxton, Donna Campbell, and Phil King. More than three dozen Republican House members also joined the push, reflecting growing pressure within the party's conservative wing to address what they see as a loophole in Texas’ already strict abortion laws.
Thirty conservative organizations also endorsed the letter, including nationally recognized groups like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Students for Life of America, and Concerned Women for America, as well as several Texas-based groups such as Houston Coalition for Life, Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn Initiative, and Protecting Texas Children.
Special Session Agenda So Far Excludes Abortion Pill Bill
Gov. Abbott called the special session on Sunday night, outlining six legislative priorities. None included SB 2880 or any proposals related to chemical abortion drugs. However, given the groundswell of support, it’s unclear if Abbott will eventually amend the call to include the measure.
Seago’s letter ended with a direct appeal to the governor:
“Governor, you know well that abortion not only harms women, but it always ends the life of a preborn child. With your leadership, we can stop these deadly drugs. Texas has led the nation in Pro-Life policy, but the flood of abortion pills pouring into our state threatens to undo our progress.”
A Divisive Issue in a Changing Landscape
The call to action comes amid a national debate over access to abortion medication, which has become a legal and political battleground since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Despite strict bans on most abortions in Texas, abortion pills continue to be shipped into the state, often from out-of-state providers or online sources—a trend pro-life activists say undermines existing law.
