Catholic Conference Applauds End to Taxpayer-Funded Abortion in Central Texas

AUSTIN -- The Texas Catholic Conference today expressed its sincere appreciation to the efforts of the advocates, policymakers, and organizations that helped bring about Central Health's recent announcement to stop spending public money on abortions in Travis County.

The announcement by Central Health, which serves as the public hospital district for Travis and surrounding counties, was in response to a new state law authored by state Rep. Wayne Christian that prohibits state funding to any hospital district that uses tax money to pay for abortions.  Instead, the $450,000 that had been budgeted for abortions will be redirected toward expanding other services for low-income and vulnerable populations in Central Texas.

"We are immensely grateful to the thousands of individuals and organizations that worked with us--both at the state and the local level--to make this decision possible," said Austin Bishop Joe Vásquez.  "They can take great pride in the fact that through their letters, phone calls, emails, and signatures from more than 10,000 Austin Catholic parishioners, their passion gave voice for these unborn children."

"In particular, I want to express appreciation to the directors of Central Health for responding to the will of the community and providing these mothers another opportunity to choose life," Bishop Vásquez said.

The Diocese of Austin has a number of programs to offer women assistance no matter what difficult situation they face. The Diocese operates The Gabriel Project Life Centers at different locations.  Those in need of assistance can call either 1-877-WE CARE 2 or, in Austin, 238-1246.

"I also want to extend gratitude to my brother bishops across Texas, especially Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, for their advocacy and prayers on this most essential of issues," said Bishop Vásquez.

The Texas Catholic Conference is the association of the 15 Roman Catholic dioceses of the state of Texas and is the official public policy voice of the bishops of Texas. For more information on the Texas Catholic Conference, visit www.TXCatholic.org.

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