Students voice their opinion on the new Texas abortion law

By: Sierra Wells

Multimedia Journalist

The Texas Heartbeat law went into effect on Sept. 1 and garnered the attention of people around the world. This law bans all abortions after fetal cardiac activity has been identified by a physician.

The Heartbeat Act, previously known as Senate Bill 8, was signed into law on May 19 by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. It immediately received backlash, however, from pro-choice individuals in the form of protests and legal action.

The Portland, Oregon city council is pending a decision on whether they will ban trade with Texas as a way to protest the new abortion law. The city council meeting was initially scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 8, but was postponed.

The Biden administration has also acted against this new law and has taken legal action against Texas in the form of a lawsuit.

When Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the lawsuit against Texas he said, “The act is clearly unconstitutional under long-standing Supreme Court precedent.”

Tarleton State University students shared their opinions on the new Texas abortion law.

Senior psychology major Krysta Alexander said, “I think the Texas Heartbeat Law is a step in the right direction in many aspects. I believe it encourages other conservative states to take a firmer stance on anti-abortion laws. I feel proud of Texas for actively working to protect even the tiniest of citizens. The passing of the Texas Heartbeat Law gives me a renewed hope.”

Vice President and Campus Coordinator of Tarleton’s Turning Point USA chapter, Brooklyn Darr said, “I believe every life is precious, especially the life of the unborn. Texas’ new Heartbeat Law is absolutely incredible. With this law, we will be saving an average of 150 precious children each day. I was so happy to hear this law be passed. This law pushes us one step closer to abolishing abortion as a whole.”

Senior Musical Theatre major Jake Wadkins had a differing opinion.

“Well, let me start off by saying that I am not a woman, nor do I identify as one, so I will never know what it’s like to completely understand these circumstances; however, I have plenty of female friends, sisters, loved ones of mine, who are legitimately terrified to be left alone with any man due to the passing of this law,” Wadkins said. “Texas has always been the first state to preach about our freedom and how amazing it is to be a citizen of the state of Texas, but here lately, I have begun to question that thought process. I have also noticed that since the Texas Heartbeat Law has been passed and approved, there has not been any sort of sign to affordably and feasibly keep this child alive.”

He continued  “As a gay man wanting to start a family of his own, I question whether or not I want to settle down in a state that, not only is a 50-50 supporter on my way of life, but now I have to fear that my daughter’s wellness and future is jeopardized by being forcefully impregnated and not being able to support herself and said fetus due to some childish male at a social gathering or birthday party. All of this to say, I may not be a woman, but I know as an American, I have the right, not privilege, the right to my body… if we can’t mandate masks or vaccines to prevent pure safety, why are women forced to make a decision that can affect the rest of their life?”

The mixed reactions from Tarleton students mirror the response from the entire country. Ultimately, abortion is a widely debated issue that is still being talked about both in courtrooms and on campus here at Tarleton.

 471 total views,  1 views today