1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to H.B. 5510 and urge you to reject it. This bill would prohibit providing abortion-inducing drugs or assisting someone to procure the same, including providing information via electronic means. It would also enable private citizens to bring legal action against individuals who assist or aid women seeking a conventional elective abortion, even if that abortion takes place in a state where the procedure is legal. This grossly misnamed “Women and Child Protection Act” does the exact opposite of what its name implies: it creates even more fear and uncertainty for women seeking to terminate pregnancies and those close to them. This bill, if enacted, would essentially turn private citizens into bounty hunters and create terrible dilemmas for those seeking to help a woman during a moment of crisis in her life. As the Rev. Laura Walters said in her testimony against this bill on April 25, 2025: “Would [she], as a pastor, be thrown into court for a pastoral counseling session? Would [she], as a parent, be at risk for driving [her] adult daughter to the airport if she is leaving the state to terminate a pregnancy that is a result of a rape?”  Rather than clarifying uncertainties caused by prior anti-abortion legislation in Texas, this bill would thus amplify them. It would potentially make criminals out of spouses, parents, and other relatives trying to do what’s best for a loved one when the latter is faced with the prospect of an unwanted and potentially life-threatening pregnancy. And it could drive families apart as people are forced to choose between doing what’s right for their loved one or facing potentially devastating legal action.  Moreover, criminalizing the potentially life-saving medications targeted by this bill will also cause widespread and grave harm. It will cost even more lives by creating fear and uncertainty around these medications, which have been proven to be safe and have saved women’s lives.  Thank you for your service and for taking the time to read this letter.