Yesterday, Texas banned abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy – with no exceptions for rape or incest. This is the most restrictive abortion law in the United States. We wanted to clarify what exactly is happening and how to help …
What’s going on in Texas?
The Texas Abortion Act, known as Senate Act 8, went into effect on Wednesday, September 1st. The law prohibits most abortions after heart activity is detected in the embryo – usually around six weeks of pregnancy. Six weeks is very early in pregnancy, and many people don’t even know they are pregnant at that stage. (I didn’t know I was six weeks pregnant with Toby!)
So most people won’t be able to have an abortion?
This new law is an almost complete ban on abortion in Texas. Eighty-five to 90 percent of procedures in the state occur after the sixth week of pregnancy. “By the time a pregnant woman misses her period, she is already four weeks pregnant, as doctors usually define it,” she reports. New York Times. “Under Texas law, a woman would have about two weeks to recognize her condition, confirm pregnancy with a test, make a decision about how to manage the pregnancy and have an abortion.”
What about rape or incest?
Texas law makes no exceptions for pregnancies that result from rape or incest.
How about Roe v. Wade? Doesn’t that make the law unconstitutional?
Roe v. Wade was a significant Supreme Court decision in 1973, in which the Court ruled that the United States Constitution protects the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion before the fetus survives (usually about 24 weeks).
But the new Texas law was deliberately written in a way that makes it difficult to challenge. Here’s why: If you want to try to block a law that is unconstitutional, you would usually file a lawsuit in which civil servants name your defendants. However! Texas law prohibits government officials from enforcing it. Instead, the law replaces private citizens to sue anyone who “helps or encourages” abortion.
So ordinary people can sue anyone who “helps or encourages” abortion?
Right. People cannot sue the patient, but they can sue doctors, nurses, clinic staff, reproductive rights counselors, friends or family who help pay for the procedure, the list goes on. “Even an Uber driver who takes a patient to an abortion clinic could be sued,” he said New York Times. Prosecutors do not have to live in Texas or have anything to do with abortion. If they win, they are entitled to $ 10,000 and attorney’s fees.
What did the Supreme Court say about this law?
At 5 to 4 votes, The Supreme Court rejected that on Wednesday night to block Texas law. Abortion providers who challenged the law were said not to have properly answered “complex and new” procedural questions. On the positive side, the Court stressed that it does not rule on the constitutionality of the law in Texas and that people can still challenge it in court. But in the meantime, the law remains in force.
What are some of the reasons why someone may want or need an abortion?
If they are victims of rape or incest. If the unborn fetus or pregnant woman has health problems. If the birth would cause psychological trauma. If I can’t afford a child. If a child dramatically interferes with the education, work, or ability to care for dependents. If birth control fails and they don’t want a baby. Because it is the choice of every person and their body.
Can’t people travel outside of Texas for an abortion?
Yes, theoretically, and I can find verified providers here or here. But for many, many people traveling outside the state can be difficult or impossible. Low-income people, undocumented immigrants, teenagers, parents who do not take care of their children, people with a strict work schedule and many others may not have the time, money, transportation or travel options to get the procedure.
“I’m thinking of blacks, browns, queers and low-income youth,” a spokesman wrote on Twitter. Cori Bush. “People who will have a disproportionate harm with this ban on health care. Wealthy whites will have the means to access abortion care. Our communities will not. “
How can we help? Where can we donate?
Good question! Here are some places to support:
* Donate to the Texas Abortion Fund. For years, these organizations have been helping to provide emotional, financial, legal, transportation, and housing assistance to anyone seeking an abortion. The list of funds is Lilith fund,, Texas Equal Access Fund,, Texas Choice Fund,, Buckle Bunnies Fund,, Support your assistance,, West Fund,, Bridge Collective i Clinic Access Support Network. If you are a minor, Jane’s Due Process provides free legal aid. Or you can donate ActBlue and divide your donation into 10 different funds.
* Support Texas organizers. Founded and directed by Black womxn, Center Afia organizes and advocates for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care from a racial justice perspective.
* Set a monthly donation for Planned parenting or ACLU. These organizations help fight for reproductive freedom and civil liberties.
Let’s talk: How do you feel about this new law? Do you have suggestions for other ways to help? Please share below and thank you very much. xo
(Photo by Montinique Monroe for The New York Times.)
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