Overview
- Texas residents could sue manufacturers, shippers and prescribers who send abortion medication into the state, with statutory damages up to $100,000.
- Pregnant patients are not liable, and Texas-based doctors, medical groups and internet search engines are exempt under revisions to the bill.
- Only the pregnant woman, the man who impregnated her or close relatives may receive the full payout; other plaintiffs are limited to $10,000, with the balance directed to charity.
- The legislation adds privacy protections for patients and bars eligibility for perpetrators of sexual assault to benefit from lawsuits.
- Backers say the bill closes enforcement gaps, while critics note the FDA has approved the drugs and warn of a chilling effect as Texas’ approach collides with shield laws and cases like the state’s pursuit of a New York prescriber.