The tiny town of Mullin, Texas has become the 71st “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” in America, as local officials take a bold stance in the ongoing battle over abortion rights across the nation.
At a Glance
- Mullin, Texas (population 196) unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting elective abortions and abortion trafficking within city limits
- The town becomes the 54th Sanctuary City for the Unborn in Texas and the 71st nationwide
- Enforcement relies on private civil lawsuits similar to the Texas Heartbeat Act, not criminal penalties
- Attorney Jonathan F. Mitchell has offered to represent the city at no cost if litigation arises
- The ACLU has previously filed lawsuits against seven other Texas towns with similar ordinances
Small Town Takes Big Stand
On April 8, the Mullin City Council voted 5-0 to approve an ordinance declaring the community a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn.” Despite its small population of just 196 residents, Mullin joins a growing movement of Texas municipalities taking local action to restrict abortion access. The ordinance prohibits elective abortions and creates provisions against abortion trafficking within city limits.
The ordinance includes six specific provisions restricting abortion-related activities involving the city. Rather than criminal enforcement, the measure follows the model of the Texas Heartbeat Act by creating a private right of action allowing citizens to file civil lawsuits against those who violate the ordinance, with a six-year statute of limitations.
Community Support and Legal Protection
Local leaders expressed strong support for the measure, seeing it as an opportunity for the community to take a stand on an issue of deep moral significance. The ordinance specifically exempts women who undergo abortions from civil liability, focusing enforcement on providers and those who assist in obtaining abortions.
Pastor Randy Bradley of Mullin First Baptist Church shared his thoughts:
“I was moved by the willingness of our city council to take such a bold stand for the lives of the unborn. I am overjoyed at being part of a community which passed this ordinance unanimously. So often it feels like the important matters of the world are out of our hands, but this brings it down to the local level right in the hands of everyday folks.”
Attorney Jonathan F. Mitchell, the former Texas Solicitor General who helped craft the Texas Heartbeat Act, has offered to represent Mullin at no cost in any potential litigation challenges. This legal support has encouraged other small communities to consider similar measures without fear of expensive legal battles.
Legal Challenges to Sanctuary City Ordinances
The sanctuary city movement has not been without opposition. The American Civil Liberties Union previously filed a lawsuit against seven East Texas towns that passed similar anti-abortion ordinances, including Waskom, Naples, Joaquin, Tenaha, Rusk, Gary, and Wells. The ACLU represented reproductive rights groups that were labeled as “criminal organizations” in these ordinances.
“A major part of our work is to make sure every Texan knows their rights and can find legitimate, fact-based information about getting an abortion—regardless of income or zip code,” said Amanda Williams, Executive Director of Lilith Fund.
The plaintiffs argued that the ordinances violated free speech rights and impeded advocacy for abortion access. Supporters of the movement, including Texas Right to Life, have expressed readiness to defend these ordinances in court. “As always, we aren’t afraid for pro-life laws to be challenged in court,” said Kimberlyn Schwartz of Texas Right to Life.
Growing Grassroots Movement
The Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn initiative gained momentum after attempts to pass more stringent abortion bans failed at the state legislative level, prompting activists to focus on local governments. Mullin’s decision reflects a broader strategy by pro-life advocates to establish protections for the unborn at the municipal level.
According to Danielle Doyer: “I strive to treat others how I want to be treated. I imagine myself in their shoes and ask myself how I would want to be treated if that were me. If that were me in my mom’s womb, I would desperately want a chance at life, to prove I am worth letting live. The way we give pregnant mothers a quick way out leaves them emotionally and sometimes physically scarred for life. Wouldn’t the healthier, more loving option be to surround them as a community and help set them up to be successful parents?”
More cities and counties in Texas are reportedly considering similar ordinances. The movement emphasizes community support for expectant mothers by encouraging resources and guidance rather than abortion, reflecting a grassroots approach to protecting the unborn at the local level.
