Author of Texas Pro-Life Law at Supreme Court Gives Behind-the-Scenes Look (Interview)
Matt Lockett: Because our mutual friend Carol Everett has been so involved from the beginning, she also joins us now. Carol, take us back to 2013 — what did you experience at the Texas State Capitol in Austin?
Carol Everett: I remember the pro-abortion folks were decked out in orange. Jodie had on a blue sweater that day, and she urged the pro-life side to wear blue.
So it became this clash of two colors, seen in media across the nation. Jodie led the charge on this law with wisdom, class and compassion. I believe God worked through her in all she did.
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Jodie Laubenberg: When we saw what Planned Parenthood was doing, those mean-spirited protests, it was Carol Everett who rallied the troops. I called her and said, "Carol, I've got to have support — I cannot be down there by myself." And Carol got folks there.
Carol Everett: I believe it was God who inspired all those pro-life people to come to the State Capitol. And Jodie, it impressed many people how you paced yourself.
None of us really knew what was coming; we didn't know the threats she would face. But Jodie stood for 36 hours, while Wendy Davis stood for about 11 hours and was hailed all over the nation. But none of us were doing this for applause or fame.
Jodie Laubenberg: We still hear a lot about Wendy Davis standing for 11 hours filibustering this bill. Texas ultimately had to call two sessions to pass this pro-life law. Over the course of the two sessions, I stood for 36 hours debating — not reading things out of a notebook that staff prepared for me, as Wendy did.
I had prosecutors and everyone who hated the cause of life going after me, challenging me on every one of the provisions in the bill. By myself, I could not have done it. It was truly like the Holy Spirit just filled me at that moment. We read in the scriptures that, God will give you the answer at the time you need it — and here He did!
Carol Everett: We prayed fervently and — after we had tried for years and couldn't achieve this — we watched God work.
Matt Lockett: Since the law passed in 2013, abortion providers have sued to halt the Texas law from being enacted — and their case made it all the way up to our nation's highest court.
Many people have been praying for this law at every stage in the lower courts and now at the U.S. Supreme Court. Since the eight justices heard oral arguments on March 2, what is your perspective on the outcome of this case?
Jodie Laubenberg: As you know, our state's Solicitor General Scott Keller did an excellent job before the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of HB 2. A lot of scenarios have been discussed, but there has been no indication about the Supreme Court's decision according to my knowledge.
I was there in the courtroom, which was rather awesome. To sit there and see those eight justices deliberating over something that is the essence of who we are as a civilization — to decide what direction we're going to go — it was amazing and sobering.
The arguments were intense. The pro-abortion leaning justices were very aggressive, hardly allowing our attorney to finish a sentence. While the other side's attorney was ill-prepared, the Texas Solicitor General did very well. Even when the pro-abortion lawyer clearly did not have a clear grasp of the facts, she had Justices Kagan and Sotomayor come to her defense.
I have confidence that this decision is in God's hands. We know He has been involved from the beginning.
Carol Everett: I agree with Jodie — our confidence is in what God is going to do at the Supreme Court. We saw something unbelievable happen with HB 2, a significant pro-life bill passed by bipartisan majority vote without amendment or change. That's unheard of.
Matt Lockett: I am blown away by the grace you both walk in. This is a testimony of you both taking simple steps of obedience and watching God do what only He can do. You've shown a willingness to put yourself in the line of fire, so to speak.
Jodie Laubenberg: Sometimes God doesn't show us exactly what we'll encounter. If I had known what it would all look like, I may have turned away and run! But when you're in the middle of it, God strengthens and provides.
Learn more about Texas State Rep. Jodie Laubenberg.
Originally published at Bound 4 Life.
