The lives of low-income Texas mothers are at greater risk because the Texas Senate, led by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, has slowed down consideration of legislation from the Texas House as part of an ongoing feud with House Speaker Dade Phelan.
With the clock ticking on the legislative session, that could have real consequences for bills that need to pass, including House Bill 12. The bill would amend the state Human Resources Code to extend Medicaid coverage for women following a pregnancy from two months to 12 months.
This bill is too important to become part of a political struggle. Women’s lives are at stake, and there is bipartisan agreement this expansion is the right thing to do to ensure that babies and mothers aren’t put at greater risk needlessly.
Respecting life is about protecting life, language the lieutenant governor and many senators use readily.
Here is the chance to show that their words have meaning. Mothers in our state need them to.
The Dallas Morning News
