'A war on my body': Texas valedictorian goes off script over new abortion law – video

On the day of her graduation, the Texas valedictorian Paxton Smith threw out her pre-approved speech and decided to use her platform to condemn the new extreme abortion ban in the state.

When addressing the graduating class of Lake Highlands high school, Smith criticised the 'heartbeat bill', a law passed by the state's governor, Greg Abbott, in May that prohibits abortions after six weeks, when most people do not know they are pregnant. The near-total ban makes no exception, even in the case of rape or incest.

'I am terrified that if I am raped, then my hopes and aspirations and dreams and efforts for my future will no longer matter,' Smith said.

• 'It's dehumanizing': Texas valedictorian goes off script to attack abortion ban