Texas is now the second state in the nation to fund alternatives to abortion according to a statement released by Texas Right to Life. For the first time in Texas history, pro-life pregnancy centers, maternity homes, and adoption agencies will be rewarded by the state for empowering women facing unplanned pregnancies with practical life-affirming counseling and services.
Texas Right to Life spearheaded the lobbying efforts for this funding provision during the 2005 Legislative Session. The Senate Finance Committee accepted our proposal, and the funding was approved and passed as a �rider� clause on the greater state appropriations bill. Passage of the measure authorized the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to write the rules and procedures for the distribution of the allocated $5 million. As with all state contracts, HHSC solicited proposals and bids from contractors interested in serving as the administrator of the funds.
Texas Right to Life closely monitored the contract process at HHSC to ensure that the funding provision was implemented according to the intent of the Legislature. Although the bid process for the funding was lengthy, our legislative team was grateful for the attentiveness afforded the project by HHSC. In March of 2006, the contract was awarded to Texas Pregnancy Care Network (TPCN), a pro-life, non-profit organization dedicated to serving as the liaison between the state and the hundreds of pro-life agencies that will be eligible to receive funding through the program. Texas Right to Life was thrilled with this outcome; TPCN proved to be a solid pro-life organization with an exemplary plan.Note: If you are a pregnancy center, maternity home, or adoption agency that has not yet received a letter from TPCN regarding eligibility information, please e-mail TPCN at info@tpcn.org.TPCN will partner with Real Alternatives, the Pennsylvania contractor that administers the only other state-funded abortion alternative program in the nation. With over 130 pregnancy centers, maternity homes, and adoption agencies, in their service provider network, Real Alternatives has assisted over 100,000 women in the last 10 years, resulting in a significant decrease in the abortion rate. Real Alternatives� willingness to share their invaluable insight acquired over time will equip TPCN to launch a successful program.
In congruence with the Pennsylvania model, TPCN will sub-contract with eligible pro-life organizations that counsel pregnant women. While TPCN handles all of the funding logistics with the state, these pro-life sub-contractors will be reimbursed for every minute of service for every pregnant woman. The beautyr of the program is that these centers are already helping women in need but now they will receive reimbursements for their efforts. Whether parenting classes, pre-natal care instruction, life-skills training, or any other mentorship a woman may need to carry a child to term, these sub-contractors' services will be funded, thereby empowering them to expand their reach to more women.
With successful implementation of the budget language and the selection of a stellar administrator (TPCN), Texas Right to Life�s mission is complete on this particular project, but the battle is far from won. The Guttmacher Institute (a pro-abortion research organization) admits that over 40% of women do not desire to have an abortion but feel trapped due to a lack of financial resources or support. Yet every year, over $50 million in state funding � your taxpayer dollars - is distributed to organizations that promote abortion. Texas Right to Life will continue to fight for a reallocation of state funds to ensure that women never feel forced to choose abortion due to their economic circumstances. With this new program, the Lone Star State will send a clear message to women in need: Texas will not abandon you or your unborn child.
