From the Frontlines of the JPII Life Center
News
Governor Signs Resolution Making Texas First State to Approve Statue on Capitol Complex Honoring Mother and Child
Will Other States Follow?
On May 30, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed SCR 19 by Senator Tan Parker and Rep. Caroline Harris Davila approving placement of a statue honoring “Mother and Child” on the Texas Capitol Complex. The State Preservation Board will determine the exact location.
Upon passage Senator Tan Parker said, “The monument provides a communal space for honoring the dignity of human life and the role of mothers – values that resonate deeply with many, many Texans.”
And Rep. Caroline Harris Davila explained, “The eight-foot bronze sculpture is modeled after the National Life Monument which depicts “a mother with her child in her womb – a powerful image honoring motherhood and the miracle of life.” She added, “The monument would serve as a beautiful space for families to honor motherhood, the strength of women, and the hope and beauty of human life.”
The sculptor Timothy Schmalz said, “The viewers of the sculpture literally see themselves in the center of the work, symbolizing their connection to this creative source.”
What is the rest of the story?
Tim Von Dohlen in his Committee testimony on the Resolution said, “Each one of us had a mother and each of us cherishes memories of our mother. SCR19 recognizes the great significance of a woman and the importance of a mother to every family. Yes, in this fast-paced world we live in today there are stories of tragic situations, but our world is a much better place because of the compassion, courage, and love of mothers. It is through the mother that a child comes into this world. Combining the role of the mother with that of the father and the child forms the nuclear family. The family has been and continues to be the integral foundation for the stability of Texas and American society.”
Over four years ago Tim and Pat Von Dohlen, Co-Founders of the St. John Paul II Life Center and Vitae Clinic in Austin, Texas, started working on a project to properly recognize the very important role of each mother in giving birth to a baby.
Searching for the proper way to show others this importance when in late January 2022, we saw the incredible sculpture by Timothy Schmalz. We spoke to the sculptor about making a replica that could be placed in Austin. We wanted it to be in a very visible place where literally thousands of people would pass by each day. A location near the University of Texas campus was ideal.
Due to factors beyond anyone’s control, we determined that the initial site needed to be changed. It was then that a light came on!
We Were Not Thinking Big Enough!
This was such an important monument the sculpture should be placed on the Texas Capitol Complex where other notable individuals, organizations, and historical events important to the history of Texas are placed. It happened we were to be attending an event at which Texas Governor Greg Abbott and his wife Cecilia were present. We visited with both of them and showed them a picture of the sculpture. They each thought it would be a great project to move forward. Then after a similar visit with Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, he also was enthusiastic about the statue. Unfortunately, the Resolution got caught up in the log jam at the end of the 2023 Session and did not finally pass the House.
We did not lose hope and continued to have positive support for the 2025 Legislative Session from the Governor and Lt. Governor. Believing that sometimes risks need to be taken, we commissioned the sculptor to deliver a six foot statue with a two foot base. It is now complete awaiting final delivery to the location for placement selected by the State Preservation Board.
Senator Tan Parker again was the primary Senate sponsor of SCR 19, and there were eight other Senators as co-sponsors. Rep. Caroline Harris Davila was the primary House sponsor of HCR109 and was joined by nine other House co-sponsors. SCR19 passed the Senate on May 8, 2025, on a vote of 22-9 and went to the House. SCR19 passed the House on May 21, 2025, by a 94-47 vote and went on to the Governor for signing.
This Session there was outstanding organizational support to members of the Legislature from Texas Alliance for Life, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Values, Texas Right to Life, and the San Antonio Family Association.
The Texas Life Monument stands as a reminder to all that human life is precious!
Now is the time for other states to follow the lead of Texas!
Stayed tuned for more updates from the JPII Life Center!
There are many ways to show appreciation for the special people in your life.
From birthdays to anniversaries and Mother's Day, you can celebrate those close to you while supporting the JPII Life Center. When making a gift, you can list them as the Honoree and a Tribute Card will be emailed to your Honoree or other recipients in recognition of your generous donation.
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St. John Paul II Life Center
4201 Marathon Blvd
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