House Committee examines House Bill 7, a proposal targeting out‑of‑state distribution of abortion pills

The House Committee on State Affairs took public testimony on House Bill 7, the “Woman and Child Protection Act,” a measure presented by Chairman Leach that aims to prevent distribution and manufacture of abortion‑inducing drugs into Texas and to create a private enforcement mechanism for alleged violations.

Chairman Leach said the bill is intended to “give tools necessary to enforce our existing abortion laws,” and described it as “the nation’s strongest bill” to address what he and supporters characterized as an illegal market of pills mailed into Texas. He told the committee the measure would not target women and that the bill is designed to hold out‑of‑state distributors and manufacturers accountable for sending pills into Texas without medical oversight.

The bill generated broad testimony from health‑care organizations, faith groups, advocacy organizations and individuals. Supporters—primarily pro‑life groups, pregnancy‑center directors and some county officials—said chemical abortions have become the dominant method and create safety risks for women. Ashley Lehnertz of Texas Right to Life told the committee…