Texas Abortion Law Updates After The Overturning Of Roe v. Wade

On Friday, June 24th the Supreme Court came to a revolutionary decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. As a result of the decision, The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, which provided constitutional protection for abortion for almost 50 years, allowing state legislatures to establish distinct limitations on abortion. In the coming weeks, a trigger law in Texas will make it a felony to perform an abortion at any point in pregnancy, effectively ending abortion access in the state.

How Does This Effect Senate Bill 8?

Prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Texas had one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. The law known as Senate Bill 8 or the fetal heartbeat law, bans abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. It allows any private individual to sue abortion doctors who perform illegal procedures and anyone who assists or abets an illegal procedure. Senate Bill 8 will remain in effect in Texas regardless of the court’s decision.

[Update 6/28/22] Texas Abortions Up To 6 Weeks Can Temporarily Resume

A Texas judge, Christine Weems in Harris County, has blocked the enforcement of the state’s abortion ban set to take effect following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. As a result, abortions in Texas will resume for patients up to six weeks into pregnancy in some clinics. Senate Bill 8, is still in effect and outlaws abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. A hearing on this lawsuit is scheduled for July 12.

[Update 7/2/22] Texas Supreme Court Overturns Block On State Abortion Ban

The Texas supreme court lifted an injunction on a state abortion law that was tied to the recent US supreme court decision overturning Roe v Wade, the 1973 landmark decision guaranteeing nationwide abortion rights. Parties on both sides of the abortion debate must file briefs with the supreme court by July 7 on a suit seeking to delay the implementation of so-called trigger bans, which would outlaw abortions in Texas. Abortion providers in Texas and 12 other states have been thrown into legal chaos since Roe v Wade was overturned, thanks to trigger bans that have been enacted since its reversal.

[Update 7/19/22] Texas Attorney General Sues Over Guidance On Emergency Abortions

[Update 8/25/22] Texas Trigger Law Officially In Effect Making It A Felony

The U.S. Supreme Court issued its official judgment in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, clearing the way for Texas’ “trigger law” to take effect on August 25th prohibiting almost all abortions in the state. The law increases the criminal and civil sanctions associated with abortion. Those who perform abortions now face a $100,000 fine or life in prison. The only exception to the trigger law is to save the life of a pregnant patient.

We will continue to provide updates on how Texas is reacting to this fluid situation. Please check back for explanations of the latest Texas news related to the overturning of Roe v. Wade as it unfolds.

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