Texas House Bill HR844

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Introduced: 3/16/09
• Refer: 3/18/09
• Enrolled: 4/2/09
• Passed: 4/2/09

Caption

Recognizing the Respect Life and Family Life ministries for their good works and accomplishments.

Impact

The bill notes the positive contributions of the Respect Life and Family Life ministries over the years, particularly their commitment to promoting the dignity of human life from conception to natural death. Their outreach occurs at the parish level in the 15 dioceses across Texas, highlighting an organized effort to strengthen family relationships and promote social welfare through marriage preparation and education programs.

Summary

H.R. 844 is a resolution recognizing the work of the Respect Life and Family Life ministries of the Roman Catholic Church in Texas. These ministries play a significant role in providing support for women facing crisis pregnancies through initiatives designed to assist families irrespective of their background. The resolution acknowledges that these ministries save lives and offer essential parenting assistance, emphasizing the importance of their services to the community.

Contention

While the bill serves to commend the efforts of these ministries, it reflects broader ideological debates regarding the ethical positions taken by the Catholic Church, especially concerning reproductive rights and stem cell research. The resolution explicitly supports adult stem cell research while opposing embryonic stem cell research and human cloning, illustrating the contentious frameworks of morality and ethics that often surround such discussions.