Texas Governor Receives Mailed Used Feminine Products As Protest Against Fetal Burial/Cremation Rules He Champions

AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott's office has been inundated with used feminine hygiene products mailed to his office from people protesting a proposed law he has championed requiring burial or cremation of fetal tissue resulting from abortions or stillbirths, according to a published report.

The Dallas Morning News reports that the mail-in cause was sparked by Ele Chupik via Facebook and now includes at least 17 women. "I hoped that it would be taken as an insult," Chupik told the newspaper about mailing the governor used tampons and feminine pads. "The same way we feel insulted."

Cosmpolitan magazine reported the protest began last month.

A staunch conservative, Abbott has posited his proposed law as a way to ensure the dignity of life as an offshoot to his broader “Life initiative,” effort designed to “protect the unborn and prevent the sale of baby body parts,” according to his official website.

But critics see the guidelines are intended solely to shame women having abortions in a conservative state run by GOP lawmakers vocally critical of abortion as a key component of their political platform.

Critics also point to the high cost of cremation or burial of fetal tissue — $1,5oo-$4,000 for the former and up to $10,000 for that latter — as evidence the law is designed as a deterrent against abortion and punitive measure for those undergoing the procedure..

The final Texas Department of State Health Services rules were filed with the secretary of state's office in November. In submitting the new rules, health officials noted the new requirement does not apply to miscarriages or abortions occurring at home. Instead, the rules apply to abortion clinics, hospitals and health care facilities as a way of preventing fetal remains to be disposed of in sanitary landfills as has long been the practice.

The rules dictating that fetal remains in Texas be buried or cremated were first proposed in July after a months-long period of public comment and public hearings. The new rules were supposed to take effect last month until U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks blocked their enforcement following a rash of lawsuits from women's reproductive health advocates.

The judge's order blocking enforcement of the new rules extended until today, when a ruling on the matter was expected. But the matter late Friday was extended indefinitely when Sparks ruled to extend the injunction, setting the stage for a future trial on the matter.

>>> Read the full story at Dallas Morning News

Above, Gov. Greg Abbott official photo