Paxton Smith, the valedictorian at Lake Highlands High School in Texas, used her graduation speech to criticise the state's near-total abortion ban, deviating from the pre-approved script. Her address, which has since gone viral on social media, condemned the law that prohibits abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for rape or incest.
Smith had originally planned to speak about the influence of TV and media on her worldview, but she changed course, saying: 'In light of recent events, it feels wrong to talk about anything but what is currently affecting me and millions of other women in this state.' She noted that the ban, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in May, also allows private citizens to sue abortion providers or anyone who 'aids and abets' an abortion, potentially leading to harassment and frivolous lawsuits.
'I have dreams, hopes and ambitions,' Smith said. 'Every girl here does. We have spent our whole lives working towards our futures, and without our consent or input, our control over our futures has been stripped away from us.' She added: 'I am terrified that if my contraceptives fail me, that if I'm raped, then my hopes and efforts and dreams for myself will no longer be relevant.'
The speech drew praise from prominent figures, including Hillary Clinton, who tweeted: 'This took guts. Thank you for not staying silent, Paxton.' Former Democratic congressman Beto O'Rourke also thanked Smith 'for having the courage of your convictions'.
Smith told D Magazine that the viral attention felt 'weird', but she was glad the issues were being discussed. She urged people to vote and stay engaged in local elections, which she said 'have more power than I think the media gives them credit for'.
