State advises women to call 911 if pressured to seek abortion

Texas battle over abortion rights

A new pamphlet that abortion providers are required by state law to give women considering an abortion tells women to call 911 if they feel pressured. Keep going for a look at the long battle in Texas over abortion rights. less Texas battle over abortion rights

A new pamphlet that abortion providers are required by state law to give women considering an abortion tells women to call 911 if they feel pressured. Keep going for a look ... more Photo: Copyright 2009 Lisa Stokes Photo: Copyright 2009 Lisa Stokes Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close State advises women to call 911 if pressured to seek abortion 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN -- The state of Texas is advising women who are feeling pressured by friends or family to have an abortion to call the emergency number 911.

The advice is found in a new pamphlet -- "A Woman's Right To Know" that was issued this week -- that abortion providers are required by state law to give women considering an abortion.

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"No one can force you to have an abortion, not even your parents or the father of your baby," reads the new introduction to the brochure. "If you are feeling pressure (also called coercion) from someone to have an abortion, you have options. Talk to your doctor, counselor or spiritual adviser about your feelings, and ask for a phone to call 9-1-1 for immediate help."

The advice is not being warmly received by law enforcement, with the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas saying it could impede the response to emergencies like shootings and home invasions.

The changes come at the hands of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Department of State Health Services, although the decision to suggest women call 911 came from interest groups, like Texas Right to Life, which takes credit for the change.

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"The 911 aspect was added due to comments suggesting it. That suggestion is for women who are feeling coerced (not for women who are just feeling torn about the decision)," Carrie Williams, a spokeswoman for HHSC, said in an email.

Emily Horne, a lobbyist for the anti-abortion advocacy group, said Texas Right to Life pushed the state agency to add the new language into the pamphlet. The organization has lobbied for years to outlaw and penalize people who try to coerce women into abortion, although that effort has been unsuccessful.

Read more about how this pamphlet came about and the reaction is has garnered from both sides of the isle on HoustonChronicle.com.