Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the launch of a new grant program on Wednesday that will send funds to groups that provide adoption services.
“I am excited to announce this new program encouraging the life-changing miracle of adoption,” Paxton said in a press release.
The state-run grant program aims to provide relief to women considering putting their children up for adoption, as well as children who are awaiting adoptive parents. The funds will also be used for adoption training, advertising, and counseling.
Nonprofits must meet a specific list of qualifications to receive state funds. This includes adoption agencies and organizations that provide relief to mothers considering adoption. Organizations that provide abortions or are affiliated with any group that provides abortions will not be eligible to receive the grants.
The program was authorized in Senate Bill 2376, sponsored by Texas Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels), and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Abortion was banned with limited exceptions in Texas after the overturn of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court. Paxton said the program continues Texas’ support for life.
“None of the money will go to any organization that promotes abortion or abortion-related services,” Paxton explained. “In Texas, we recognize that life is precious and must be protected. However, more than merely opposing the violence of abortion, we are pro-life.”
“That is why the ‘Support Adoption’ grant program was created: to assist those who might feel hopeless, lost, alone, or confused, and offer them a better path,” the attorney general added. This line of reasoning has been rejected by pro-abortion activists who argue that adoption is not a universally applicable or viable alternative.
Paxton has a trial date set for next year regarding a lawsuit against Planned Parenthood, which he alleges the organization intentionally received Texas Medicaid funds after they were removed from the program, as reported by The Dallas Express.
Planned Parenthood counters that they qualified for the funds because they provide services outside of abortion. The lawsuit could reportedly cost the organization up to $1.8 billion.
The announcement of Paxton’s adoption grant program in Texas was paired with the launch of a “Support Adoption” state license plate.
Paxton appointed a Support Adoption Committee, which worked with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to design the new license plate.