Travis Co. approves funds for abortions

AUSTIN (KXAN) - After hearing about an hour's worth of public comments, all from those opposed to abortions, the Travis County Commissioners approved the budget of Central Health, formerly known as the Travis County Health Care district.

Part of the budget: $450,000 to fund contracts for abortion services.

"You will be held responsible for the murder of thousands of babies killed with the money you authorized to pay for these abortions with our tax dollars," said one of about 20 people who showed up during the public comment portion of the meeting.

County Judge Sam Biscoe and County Commissioners Sarah Eckhardt and Karen Hueber voted to approve the budget. Commissioner Ron Davis abstained from voting and Commissioner Margaret Gomez was absent, recovering from heart surgery.

"It's a legal procedure and so we step back and allow the health care district to provide the full panoply of reproductive services to their clientele," said Eckhardt.  

According to reports, roughly 550 abortions have been performed this year using money from Central Health.

"Quite frankly, we are mystified at why they continue to do this," said Christian Gonzalez, communication director for the Catholic Diocese of Austin. "There are still 225,000 Catholics that disagree with this decision. We will continue to work to change the budget, to change the hearts and minds and we'll do that through the political process and through prayer." 

Biscoe said there is a possibility non-taxpayer funds could pay for the abortion services. But he still supports the county paying for the services.

"I remember the old days when abortions were illegal and people were having them anyway in very unsafe circumstances. It's a moral issue -- it's not that I advocate one way or the other -- but I do think the services ought to be available for those who elect to do it," Biscoe said.

The health care district, known as Central Health, provides medical services to low-income Travis County residents who do not have health insurance.

The total budget for the district for 2011 is $109 million, of which about two-thirds of that is taxpayer money.