Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Texas Senate Sends Abortion-Pill Lawsuit Bill to Abbott’s Desk

The measure extends Texas’ private-enforcement model to out-of-state providers, setting up likely court fights with shield-law states.

Texas state Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, left, Adam Hinojosa, R-Corpus Christi, center, and Brent Hagenbuch, R-Denton, right, pray with other senators as they prepare to debate a bills including one that would add new abortion restrictions, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
With a mostly empty gallery, Texas senators debate a bill that would add new abortion restrictions, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, center, talks with Sen. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, left, and Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, right, as the senate prepares to debate a bill that would add new abortion restrictions, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas state Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, speaks against a bill that would add new abortion restrictions, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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.