Lucio files bill to require pre-abortion adoption course

AUSTIN — The lone Senate Democrat to vote in favor of recent sweeping abortion restrictions filed a bill Tuesday that would require a woman complete a three-hour course on adoption before legally obtaining an abortion in Texas.

State Sen. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville, filed Senate Bill 42, which would charge the state's Health and Human Services Commission to develop an “adoption education course” that women would take for free, in person or online, and present a certificate of completion to her doctor to be cleared for an abortion.

Lucio filed the measure the final day of the second special session. Gov. Rick Perry is expected to call a third session later Tuesday.

Lucio's bill is technically in play for the now-adjourned session but a statement released by his office suggests he will move forward in the third special session and interim period.

“It is my hope that, when presented with more information on adoption resources and services available, more pregnancies can be carried to term,” Lucio said. “I am fully aware that this bill, filed on the last day of the second special legislative session, will not immediately pass; however, I intend to continue advocating adoption as an alternative.”

kparker@express-news.net