Texas reinstates its 6-week abortion ban

Texas’ ban on abortion is widely recognized as one of the most restrictive laws in the US. After lower federal courts had temporarily blocked the bill, the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the rule. The bill, Senate Bill 8, went into effect for roughly five weeks before the lower courts had intervened. During that time, providers were forced to refuse abortions from hundreds of people. The bill seems extremely unjust to those affected since most don’t realize they are pregnant until after six weeks. After the rule went into effect, the majority of Texans weren’t able to get an abortion.

Moreover, the ban makes no exception for rape or incest. The only exception being for those in a medical crisis who’s life is threatened by the pregnancy.

Aside from its restrictiveness, the bill itself was designed to evade court actions by allowing it to be enforced by private citizens, even those living outside of Texas, instead of government agencies. Meaning that anyone can sue a medical professional whom they believe have provided an abortion for about 10 000$ in damages.

Out of fear of litigation, many abortion service providers have closed clinics or adhered to strict limits enforced by the state causing a near-total shutdown of abortions in Texas. Many of these care-providers aren’t able to hire a legal representative therefore have to be extremely cautious of their work under the ban. Many fear long-term effects caused by the bill as some services will have to face serious financial problems leading to a possible permanent shutdown. Even if Senate Bill 8 is overturned, there might be permanent damages to Texan abortion services that cannot be salvaged.