(iPoster) Moral Framing and Democratic Decay: How Texas Legislators Shape Public Health

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Abstract

This research examines the impact of moral framing in legislative discourse on reproductive policy and its implications for public health appropriations in Texas. Specifically, it explores how the Texas legislature is addressing—or exacerbating—a crisis in reproductive rights and public health. Following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, states gained full authority to regulate abortion, intensifying polarization in policy debates. Texas serves as a critical case study due to its stringent abortion regulations and the prevalence of morally charged language—such as “right to life” and “innocent lives”—in legislative discussions. The study hypothesizes that increased moral framing correlates with reduced bipartisan support for maternal and child health funding, while framing reproductive policy as a public health issue fosters cross-party cooperation. Using content analysis of Texas legislative transcripts, a Moral Framing Index and bipartisan voting metrics are employed to assess these relationships. Findings aim to illuminate how rhetorical strategies shape policy outcomes and democratic governance, underscoring the broader implications of moral framing for democratic resilience and policy responsiveness in times of crisis.

Author

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