Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Responds to Starr County’s Decision to Move to Drop All Criminal Charges Against Lizelle Herrera

Houston, Texas – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) issued the following statement following Starr County's decision to move to drop all criminal charges against Lizelle Herrera.

"My heart goes out to Lizelle Herrera and her family during this time of severe distress. Women's reproductive rights are immensely personal matters, and Herrera has faced public humiliation – while facing an unjust murder charge -- during this sensitive time in her life. The Texas Penal code on murder has a specific exception for these very cases, and every law enforcement officer in the state knows that. She should never have been arrested in the first place. This was an unjust and terrifying scare tactic."

"The news today by Starr County was much needed, but once again proves Texas has much work to do on the women's reproductive health front. In the Lone Star State, women should have the ability to choose what's best for their health and future. My home state, led by Governor Greg Abbott, has put women into desperate corners where they must choose between their reproductive health or the threat of being locked up."

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on both the House Judiciary and Financial Services Committees.