A high school valedictorian had prepared a speech that was approved by school officials for the commencement ceremony.
But Paxton Smith of Lake Highlands High School in Dallas aborted her pre-approved speech and used her platform to denounce legislation recently passed by the state of Texas.
The new law criticized by Smith prevents Texas citizens from getting an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, which can take place “as early as six weeks gestation — or six weeks from a woman’s last menstrual period.” The legislation, which is set to go into effect Sept. 1, would also allow private citizens to sue individuals and abortion providers who violate the ban.
In an interview Paxton says the response has been overwhelming.
