Opinion

Republican candidates: Pro-life or pro-birth?

AUSTIN — You get a quick answer when you ask the Republicans vying for lieutenant governor if they oppose abortion even when a pregnancy results from terrible abuse.

It's a different story when you ask whether the state should do more to help women when they are poor, pregnant and then new mothers.

A couple of them talk about the private sector's responsibility. A couple talk about adoption. A couple suggest the state should step up, but not how, or by how much.

The focus was clear in the televised debate among Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and those challenging him in the GOP primary: Sen. Dan Patrick , Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples.

All oppose abortion even in cases of rape or incest. But they weren't specific when asked what the state should do to help low-income women support themselves while they are pregnant and new moms — although groups that help such women say more aid is needed. None of the candidates gave a figure.

Staples said the state should ensure they have access to medical care (they do, through federal Medicaid program and the Children's Health Insurance Program). He said money should be set aside, but that the state should be sure that “the private sector is fulfilling that responsibility before we look to the government to do that.” On a personal note, he said that his sister was adopted, citing it as a “loving alternative.”

Patrick also emphasized the private sector. “I will do whatever it takes and go to the private sector and raise the money to do whatever it takes to protect life,” he said, adding, “There's a limit. We shouldn't always look to government.”

Dewhurst talked about a program he said allows young pregnant women to see a nurse practitioner under Medicaid to learn to care for themselves and their babies.

Patterson emphasized the need to make it easier for children to be adopted. He also favored “providing necessary sustenance for mothers.”

Besides the health care available to poor, pregnant women, they currently might get help from programs that get a share of the $46,000 distributed last year in proceeds from the Choose Life license plate, an effort that focuses on adoption.

They also might go to places that get a portion of their funding from the $5.15 million alternatives to abortion program, which funnels federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families through the Texas Pregnancy Care Network. That program provides counseling, classes and items such as clothing and diapers. Some locations have car seats.

The program has been controversial in years past because those who support the right to abortion have said it takes money from women's health and family planning.

But the groups that get a share of the money say they provide important services, and there's a need for more, even though they collaborate with and make referrals to other programs, churches and food banks.

“There certainly is a need for additional funding to help assist disenfranchised families living in the Fifth Ward and Third Ward of Houston,” said Sylvia B. Johnson of the Houston Pregnancy Help Center. She said her locations have a waiting list of 15 to 20 women per week for childbirth and parenting classes.

San Antonio's Seton Home has a program for teen moms that focuses on finishing high school and learning a trade or attending college. It would like to do more.

“With additional funding, we would be able to provide more follow-up services to our young moms once they leave Seton Home,” Seton Home's Margret Bamford said. “That is a critical time for them as they first start out living on their own with their baby. Continued support, beyond our current financial capabilities, is very much needed for them.”

Pam Cobern, executive director of Austin LifeCare, also has a wish list. “I would love to see more housing opportunities available,” she said. “There is a huge need.”

It's a need that should be considered by those who consider themselves as pro-life.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac