In 2019 Texas adopted SB 22, banning local governments from financially supporting abortion providers. The state law was in reaction to Austin's decision to lease a building to Planned Parenthood for $1 a year.
Castle stated that "the City of Austin should not be spending taxpayer dollars to help end the lives of unborn children."
The Austin city council also voted in September 2019 to provide $150,000 for transportation, childcare, or lodging for Austin residents who are seeking an abortion. Councilman Don Zimmerman has challenged the council's decision in court.
"I am saddened by the recent news that members of the Austin City Council are working on a proposal to increase financial support for access to abortion in the community," Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin had said Aug. 21, 2019.
"I, along with the Catholic Church, continue to affirm the intrinsic value of human life and the dignity of every person in a way that transforms culture," he stated.
In January, the Trump administration approved a Texas women's health program that bars funding for health care providers that perform abortions. The Department of Health and Human Services approved the Medicaid waiver for the Healthy Texas Women program, which helps provide health care and family planning services to tens of thousands of women.