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4w ago

Texas Abortion Bill Raises Concerns Over Revival of 19th-Century Law

Senate Bill 31, aimed at clarifying emergency exceptions, faces criticism for potentially restricting abortion access and reviving outdated criminal statutes.

A patient returns for a follow up appointment to make sure her abortion treatment was successful hours after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade at the Alamo Women’s Reproductive Services abortion clinic in San Antonio on June 24, 2022.
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Overview

  • Senate Bill 31 seeks to standardize emergency abortion exceptions in Texas but includes language that could reactivate a 19th-century law criminalizing abortion-related activities.
  • Abortion rights advocates warn the bill could jeopardize the operations of abortion funds and restrict access to supportive services like travel and lodging assistance.
  • Supporters argue the bill will provide clarity for medical professionals and protect doctors from criminal prosecution, though critics say it fails to address vague emergency exception language.
  • A federal injunction currently blocks enforcement of the 19th-century law, but the legal case remains unresolved and could escalate to higher courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • Republican lawmakers are also pursuing additional abortion restrictions, including measures targeting out-of-state procedures and access to abortion pills.