‘People were excited’: Paxton Smith on her valedictorian speech for abortion rights

Texas 18-year-old says it was scary to take a stand' amid controversy - but speech has received rave reviews

When 18-year-old Paxton Smith used her valedictorian address to rail against Texas's near-total abortion ban last Sunday, she inspired cheers at her Dallas high school, as well as an outpouring of support for her across the country and online.

Smith had pre-written a speech on how TV and media have shaped her worldview, which had been approved by school administrators. But when it came time to address the graduating class of Lake Highlands high, she switched course.