It seems that history repeats itself. The current constitution in the state of Texas was a result of a tyrannical government. Supposedly, this new constitution would embrace the liberties of people by limiting government.

How can we talk about representation or liberty when the majority of representatives are men deciding over issues of abortion? The answer is simple: You’re in Texas, the state where money speaks as loud as it can. Representatives want to inveigle women to view the abortion process differently. They say to women, “You’re feelings have a price tag and I have the cash.” The Senate Bill 16 is no more than an emotional manipulation that makes women listen to descriptions about the fetus for two straight hours. Decide whether or not to have an abortion is a difficult process, but this bill makes it even tougher.

For unwanted children the future is not promising. They either become criminals or victims of harsh social opprobrium within the first years of their lives. In the most extreme cases, they might become rapists. Hence, the vicious circle in which criminals originate is the same place where they will end up.

There is no doubt that the financial costs of an abortion will come at the expense of taxpayers. Nonetheless, unwanted children might create a higher burden for Texans. The Senate Bill 16 is no more than a ticking bomb. If an unwanted child is born, the mother will provide mediocre feelings and create resentment in the child. In such a case, neither child nor mother has affection for each other. The space between them is so wide that the child is her son only for genetic purposes.

Biology books might define procreation as the production of a new individual. Parenthood, however, reaches beyond the simple meaning of procreating. It involves the investment of time, care and feelings. Unfortunately, not all of our representatives look at it this way. I am not against the Senate Bill 16 nor do I hate the Republican majority in the legislature. I am against the fact that representatives are translating personal concerns into public policy.

In addition to budget cuts, the legislators face a long-term problem with this bill—increasing levels of criminal activity by unwanted children. Perhaps it is time to think if the cost of an abortion is higher than the cost of a new inmate in the overcrowded prisons of Texas. Add this to the fierce devotion that Texans have for punishing criminals (Texas hates bad guys!).

Overall, crime is increasing in Texas and it is likely that inmates will have to stay for longer periods of time due to public support for punishment. This means that Texas will pay for both abortions and possible mental facilities for those that refuse to comply with the Senate Bill 16 or they might approve the bill and see the rising levels of criminal activity and the expansion of the prison system.