Officials in Lubbock, Texas, are discussing outlawing abortion within city limits as plans for a new Planned Parenthood clinic come to a close. The state of Texas has been referred to as “ground zero” for the battle to outlaw abortion.
“In light of the history of harassment by extremists opposed to Planned Parenthood’s mission, it is our ongoing policy to not comment on health center projects for security reasons until they are completed. As soon as we have finalized information about the health center opening date, location, and list of health services, I would be happy to share that with you and we look forward to sharing this update.”In their statement, they name the “affordable health care services” they’ve provided throughout the Greater Texas area, such as “breast and cervical cancer screenings, HIV tests, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), birth control including long-acting IUDs and implants, and safe, legal abortion services.”
“It has come to the attention of many in our area that Planned Parenthood, the nation’s leading provider of abortion services, is planning to open a clinic in Lubbock between now and the end of the year. We respectfully request that the City of Lubbock take all necessary actions to prevent them from opening, since this organization profits off ending the lives of unborn children.”The letter continues on to say, “The battlefield to protect the unborn has shifted from the state to the local arena in recent years. For that reason, passing an ordinance designating Lubbock as a Sanctuary City for the Unborn will help to continue the Texas belief that life begins at conception, while also protecting the safety of mothers.”
“Unborn children should have the right to live,” the petition states. “Planned Parenthood profits off ending their lives. This is unacceptable.”
If passed, the legislation would outlaw abortion within city limits and would make Lubbock a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn.”
Currently, officials are considering passing an ordinance penned by Mark Lee Dickson, director of Right to Life East Texas. This is the same ordinance that has made abortion illegal, except to save the life of the mother, within the boundaries of 14 other Texas cities.
“It shall be unlawful for any person to procure or perform an abortion of any type and at any stage of pregnancy in the City of Lubbock, Texas… The Supreme Court’s pronouncements in Roe v. Wade and subsequent cases may limit the ability of State officials to impose penalties on those who violate the Texas abortion statutes, but they do not veto or erase the statutes themselves, which continue to exist as the law of Texas until they are repealed by the legislature that enacted them.”Dickson explained to the Texan, “The Supreme Court doesn’t make laws, they issue opinions. If Roe v. Wade was the law of the land, then why is Joe Biden saying he’ll make it federal law if elected?”
Planned Parenthood has not publicly responded to the proposed ordinance, nor have they slowed plans to open their new facility later this year. They maintain that they are an inclusive organization dedicated to supporting reproductive health.
In their statement about the clinic’s opening, they wrote, “All patients are welcome in our health centers, regardless of insurance or documentation status, income, zip code, or who you love.”
Will the love for unborn children be enough to pass this ordinance? Lubbock city’s values hang in the balance as officials debate.
Still, Dickson remains optimistic. He told the Texan, “I am hopeful that the mayor and the city council share the belief of many of their residents that the murder of innocent children in Lubbock would be a horrible thing. And I pray that they will pass this ordinance because they share those values.”
