AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 4, prohibiting the availability of abortion-inducing drugs by mail, by Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville:

“Since I was first elected to the Texas Senate, protecting life has been one of my top priorities, and I’m grateful that Gov. Greg Abbott included this critical issue on the special session call. When abortion-inducing drugs are available by mail, Texas women are put at risk from human traffickers and abusive spouses or significant others. By banning abortion-inducing drugs’ availability by mail, Senate Bill 4 strengthens Texas’ position that we are a pro-life state.

“Final passage of this bill into law will require the House Democrats who have fled the state to return to the House for a quorum. If they do not, this bill will die, but the Senate will pass Senate Bill 4 over and over again until the House finally has a quorum.

“I thank Sen. Lucio for his ardent commitment to protecting life in Texas.”