Mayor Turner, Houston’s Women’s Commission discuss anti-abortion laws

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner joined Houston’s Women’s Commission members and others Thursday to discuss the city’s priority to protect women’s reproductive rights and their medical providers as Texas enacts anti-abortion laws.

Texas’ trigger law recently went into effect following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Performing abortions in Texas is now a felony, which is punishable by up to life in prison. The only exceptions are only to save the life of a pregnant woman.

Abortion clinics across the state have already stopped performing the procedure, due to the fear of prosecution.

Turner said a woman’s health and safety matter to the city of Houston. The mayor said he, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg and the Houston Police Department are in agreement to not prioritize using resources on incrimination those with abortion investigation, charges and allegations, which will be the lowest priority in prosecuting these cases.

Turner said HPD will instead, prioritize going after rapist, abusers and violent criminals to help decrease crime in the city of Houston and not providers or women seeking healthcare.

Watch the full news conference below: