AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the pre-filing of Senate Bill 8 (SB8 – the Pre-Born Protection and Dignity Act) by Chairman Charles Schwertner, Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and Senators Jane Nelson, Charles Perry, Donna Campbell and Lois Kolkhorst:

“Nothing we do is more important than protecting innocent life. Texans count on us to do everything possible to make sure that the sanctity and dignity of life is protected. In the wake of discovering the notorious Planned Parenthood videos last year, in which employees were caught callously discussing the procurement of aborted baby body parts, the Texas Senate is taking aggressive steps to criminalize these despicable acts.

“The Senate will also continue to push for a ban on partial birth abortions in Texas in order to prosecute those who perpetrate this horrific practice.

“I strongly support this legislation and commend Chairman Schwertner for filing this important bill.”