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Gov. Greg Abbott signed into a law Wednesday a measure that would prohibit in Texas abortions as early as six weeks â before some women know they are pregnant â and open the door for almost any private citizen to sue abortion providers and others. editor s pick topical featured top story With heartbeat, new law sets tone for abortions
By Shannon Najmabadi
The Texas Tribune May 20, 2021
6 hrs ago
Gov. Greg Abbott signed into a law Wednesday a measure that would prohibit in Texas abortions as early as six weeks â before some women know they are pregnant â and open the door for almost any private citizen to sue abortion providers and others.
Houston Press.
Senate Bill 8, which critics have called one of the most restrictive abortion bills in the country, received a final vote of approval from the Texas Senate on Thursday, at which point it was sent to Abbott’s desk for his signature.
When SB 8 goes into effect on September 1, 2021 after Abbott signs the measure, it will allow people to sue abortion providers and anyone who helps someone get an abortion after a “heartbeat” is detected in a fetus for up to $10,000 in damages. Even non-Texans and people who have never met the person receiving an abortion could sue under SB 8’s provisions, and individuals performing abortions or helping someone get an abortion could potentially be sued by an unlimited number of people.
Austin American-Statesman
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law Wednesday legislation that prohibits abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, effectively banning most abortions in the state.
The restriction puts Texas at the vanguard among states challenging the boundaries of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark Supreme Court case that established a woman s legal right to an abortion.
The measure, a priority for Republican lawmakers during this year’s legislative session, would allow virtually any private citizen to sue an abortion provider or others who “aid and abet” an abortion in violation of the new ban.
The bill passed easily through both the Senate and House, despite fervent opposition from Democrats. Abbott indicated support of the measure early in the session and made good on his pledge to sign it on Wednesday, at a ceremony that was closed to members of the press.
Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging the pro-life sanctuary-city ordinance passed by voters in Lubbock, Texas the latest twist in the community battle over a recently opened abortion clinic.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law Wednesday legislation that prohibits abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, effectively banning most abortions in the state.
The restriction puts Texas at the vanguard among states challenging the boundaries of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark Supreme Court case that established a woman s legal right to an abortion.
Senate Bill 8, a priority for Republican state lawmakers, would allow virtually any private citizen to sue an abortion provider or others who “aid and abet” an abortion in violation of the new ban.
The bill sailed through the Senate and House, despite fervent opposition from Democrats. Flanked by Republican lawmakers in his Capitol office, Abbott made good on his promise to sign the bill at a ceremony that was closed to the media and broadcast on Facebook.