WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR. GOVERNOR OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR STATE CAPITOL AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711 October 9, 1979 STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR CLEMENTS' POSITION REGARDING HIS STATEMENT AT A&M UNIVERSITY ON BIRTH CONTROL I very much appreciate your letter regarding comments attributed to me recently about birth control. As is sometimes the case, news stories do not, always reflect one's opinions or comments in proper context. This is the case with accounts of my visit to Texas AM University, and the result has been misinterpretation of my true beliefs. What I was quoted as saying is not an accurate reflection of those convictions and some of the stories totally ignored the real thrust of the meeting at A&M and the serious discussions there. I hope you will read the attached account of the meeting by Bo Byers, veteran State Capitol reporter for the Houston Chronicle. Mr. Byers, as you will note, did not feel that the incident seized on by two or three less-experienced reporters was worth mentioning. I agree with his judgment. I have long committed myself to support of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution which protects human life from conception to natural death. I am opposed to abortion except in cases when the mother's health or life is endangered, or in cases of rape or incest. I am opposed to any federal funding of abortions. It is my hope that these views are helpful to you in knowing where I stand. Again, thank you for writing me. Sincerely, William WPC:
