The Supreme Court has declined to rule on the constitutionality of the Texas law but indicated in another abortion case that it may be inclined to overturn Roe v. Many clinics in Texas - fearful of potentially ruinous lawsuits - have closed their doors. They can be rewarded with $10,000 for initiating civil suits that land in court, prompting criticism that the state is encouraging people to take the law into their own hands. Texas Senate Bill 8 (SB8) differs from other efforts in that it attempts to insulate the state from claims of rights violations by giving members of the public the ability to sue doctors who perform abortions - or anyone who helps facilitate them - once a heartbeat in the womb is detected. Wade, which guaranteed a woman's right to an abortion until the fetus is viable outside the womb, typically around 22 to 24 weeks. Laws severely restricting abortion have been passed in multiple Republican-led states, but have been struck down by the courts for violating Roe v. It is the most restrictive abortion law passed in the United States since the procedure was guaranteed as a constitutional right nearly five decades ago. The Texas law, which went into force on September 1, bans abortion after six weeks, when a heartbeat in the womb can be detected but before many women even know they are pregnant. "I will not stand by silently as a State continues to nullify this constitutional guarantee." ![]() "This case is a disaster for the rule of law and a grave disservice to women in Texas, who have a right to control their own bodies," Sotomayor said. ![]() "Today, for the fourth time, this Court declines to protect pregnant Texans from egregious violations of their constitutional rights," Justice Sonia Sotomayor said. The majority did not provide any comment on their decision but the three liberal justices on the nation's highest court penned a scathing dissent. Instead, the case will remain with the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. "It provides that a civil cause of action may not be brought by a person who impregnated the abortion patient through an act of rape, sexual assault, incest of any other specifically acts in the penal code," answered Slawson.The court, in a 6-3 decision, rejected a request by abortion providers to have the case sent to a district judge who had previously moved to block the Texas law. Sheryl Cole (D-Austin) asked Slawson if the Amendment makes an exception for rape or incest. That has raised concerns for victims, which prompted Slawson to submit an Amendment. "Well, you know I appreciate that you don't want to believe this and that you are disagreeing with it but I am talking about what the science says, so you're telling me that the science is wrong," said Howard.Ī key and controversial part of SB 8 is a section allowing lawsuits against anyone who performs an abortion or helps make it possible. It’s claimed that under the law a rapist could sue the family members of his victim if they recommend an abortion should be done.įor Howard, who has a medical background, Slawson’s response only made the exchange more personal. Those opposed to SB 8 say the legal liability is too broad. "I fundamentally disagree with that," said Slawson.įaith leaders oppose ‘heartbeat bill’ measures at Texas Capitol Slawson refused to agree that the sound of the heartbeat is not critical. The point was pressed by Howard who brought up a statement from doctors who wrote that the heartbeat sound should not be used. "The Doppler fetal monitor, that has that kwoosh, woosh, woosh sound that you gave us a while ago, is not actually the sound of a heartbeat, but an amplified version of signals. Howard challenged the idea of using the sound to determine when an abortion should not be done. ![]() That kwoosh, kwoosh, kwoosh," said Slawson. "Many men and women in this chamber have had that incredible experience when we first heard the sound of our then unborn babies play out in a doctors' office. Travis County GOP Executive Director Brian Ruddle and Blake Rocap from Avow Texas talk about the several anti-abortion bills that have passed the Texas Senate. FOX 7 Discussion: Anti-abortion bills passed by the Texas Senate
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