AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the enactment of Senate Bill 8, the Heartbeat Bill, by Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, and the United States Supreme Court allowing Senate Bill 8 to take effect:

“When I served in the Texas Senate, protecting life was my top priority. In 2011, I wrote and passed the sonogram law that has reduced abortions by 20,000 or more per year. As Lt. Governor, I have passed many pro-life bills, saving lives each session. Yesterday was a momentous day as Senate Bill 8, the Heartbeat Bill, became law in the state of Texas, and now, the United States Supreme Court allowed the law to take effect.

“Senate Bill 8 says that any doctor that performs an abortion once they detect a heartbeat can be sued by any private citizen. This law will save the lives of thousands of unborn babies in Texas and become a national model. I pray that every other state will follow our lead in defense of life.

“The United States Supreme Court acknowledged in Roe v. Wade that the state has a legitimate interest in protecting the potentiality of human life. Texas is a solidly pro-life state, and the passage and enactment of this legislation reflects my continued commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. I salute Sen. Hughes for his continued and passionate defense of the unborn, and the Texas Senate for leading the way in protecting life, nationwide.”