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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas said on Tuesday that he wants to “eliminate rape” in his state. He made such a statement after receiving criticism over a new law prohibiting abortions after six weeks does not provide an exemption for victims of rape and incest.
Texas has adopted the most restrictive legislation since the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling by the United States Supreme Court. Abbott signed the measure into law in May. The United States Supreme Court, according to USA Today, ruled 5-4 last week in favor of abortion rights organizations that sought to block it from going into effect.
According to abortion rights organizations, the legislation may prevent women from getting abortions even before they are pregnant in certain instances. Rape and incest are not excluded.
Abbott Wants To ‘Eliminate Rape’ In Texas
Abbott defended the legislation when asked on Tuesday why the state would make a rape or incest victim carry a pregnancy to term.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks during a visit to the border wall near Pharr, Texas. (Photo by Sergio FLORES / AFP) (Photo by SERGIO FLORES/AFP via Getty Images)
Rape is a crime, he said. According to Abbot, Texas would fight diligently to ensure that all rapists are removed from the streets of Texas by aggressively arresting, prosecuting, and removing them. The state‘s top priority, according to Abbott, is to eradicate rape so that no woman, no anyone, will be a victim.
Abbott said state-supported groups will also provide support for those who are victims of rape, speaking for the first time since the Supreme Court’s ruling. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, 14,656 rapes occurred in the state in 2019. In the same year, about 2,200 individuals were arrested for rape.
The United States Department of Justice has previously said that it would defend abortion providers and the women they assist victims of assault.
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White House Refutes Abbott’s Move
On Wednesday, the White House retaliated against Abbott’s support of the legislation. According to The Independent, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said there would be bipartisan support if Gov. Abbott could eliminate all rapists or rape in the United States.
The US Department of Health and Human Services is looking at methods to ensure that women in Texas have access to health care when the Texas law takes effect. Psaki explained.
Clearly, the White House opposes this legislation or the bill passed into law, and there is a pressing need to find and announce measures to assist women right now, she added.
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