Abortion Laws in Texas
Introduction to the Bill
The Texas Senate on Tuesday advanced a bill that would crack down on medication abortion and ban the mailing of abortion pills into the state. This bill is a significant development in the ongoing debate about abortion laws in Texas. The measure would create a pathway for private citizens to file civil lawsuits against anyone who manufactures or distributes abortion pills within Texas or who prescribes or mails abortion pills into Texas.
Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, author of the bill, said in a public hearing Monday that the bill would not allow for lawsuits against pregnant women themselves or against doctors who use medication abortion during a medical emergency. This clarification is important, as it highlights the specific targets of the bill.
“Let the word go out: If you are making these pills and sending them to Texas to kill little unborn babies — illegal abortions — you’re going to be held accountable,” Hughes said at the hearing. “That’s what this bill does.” This statement emphasizes the intent behind the bill and the consequences for those who violate it.
Current Abortion Laws in Texas
In Texas, abortion is illegal in nearly every circumstance. The state bans abortion at every stage of pregnancy and does not allow exceptions for rape or incest or for fatal fetal anomalies. Abortion is only permitted during medical emergencies, when it is the only option to save the mother’s life. These laws have significant implications for individuals seeking abortion care in the state.
Under those laws, Texans seeking abortions are typically left with two options: leave the state for abortion care or order abortion pills through the mail. During each month in 2024, according to data from the Society of Family Planning, there were between 2,500 and 4,000 telehealth-provided abortions in Texas. This data highlights the demand for abortion services in the state, despite the restrictive laws.
Impact of the Bill
If Hughes’ bill becomes law, it would tamp down that second option, making it more difficult for Texans to acquire abortion pills. This would further restrict access to abortion care in the state, potentially forcing individuals to seek care in other states or through unauthorized channels.
The bill has moved forward during the ongoing special session of the Legislature. The special session bill is a reincarnation of a similar bill that was raised during this year’s regular session. The regular session bill, also carried by Hughes, passed out of the Senate but died in the House. This history highlights the ongoing efforts to pass this legislation and the challenges it has faced.
Current Status of the Bill
After the regular session ended, anti-abortion advocates urged lawmakers to revive the measure during a special session. The measure now heads to the Texas House. That chamber is currently at a standstill after House Democrats left the state, preventing a quorum and effectively blocking passage of redrawn voting districts. This development has significant implications for the future of the bill and the legislative process in Texas.
Conclusion
The bill advanced by the Texas Senate is a significant development in the ongoing debate about abortion laws in the state. If passed, it would further restrict access to abortion care, making it more difficult for individuals to acquire abortion pills. The bill’s impact would be felt by many, and its passage would have significant implications for the state’s abortion laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the bill propose?
The bill proposes to crack down on medication abortion and ban the mailing of abortion pills into the state. It would create a pathway for private citizens to file civil lawsuits against anyone who manufactures or distributes abortion pills within Texas or who prescribes or mails abortion pills into Texas.
Q: Who would be affected by the bill?
The bill would primarily affect individuals seeking abortion care in Texas, as well as those who manufacture, distribute, or prescribe abortion pills in the state. It would not allow for lawsuits against pregnant women themselves or against doctors who use medication abortion during a medical emergency.
Q: What are the current abortion laws in Texas?
In Texas, abortion is illegal in nearly every circumstance. The state bans abortion at every stage of pregnancy and does not allow exceptions for rape or incest or for fatal fetal anomalies. Abortion is only permitted during medical emergencies, when it is the only option to save the mother’s life.
Q: What is the current status of the bill?
The bill has moved forward during the ongoing special session of the Legislature and now heads to the Texas House. However, the House is currently at a standstill after House Democrats left the state, preventing a quorum and effectively blocking passage of redrawn voting districts.
