The Story
Starting today, citizens can enforce abortion bans in Texas.
Excuse me.
In May, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed a bill banning abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected – as early as six weeks. (Note: Many women don't even know they're pregnant at this point.) Also, there are no exceptions for cases of rape or incest. The law, which took effect at midnight, is one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. And while a number of red states have passed similar bills in recent years, Texas is doing things differently.
How so?
It's giving private citizens – not state officials – the power to enforce the abortion ban. Meaning: people can sue abortion providers, friends, and family members who they believe violated the law or helped someone get an abortion (think: by providing financial assistance or driving someone to a clinic). And they can get a prize of at least $10,000 if they're successful.
How is that possible?
Abortion advocates fought for weeks to challenge the measure. They say the law will lead to endless lawsuits and force clinics to shut down – Planned Parenthood clinics have already stopped scheduling some appointments. In a last-minute effort, abortion advocates asked the Supreme Court to block the law from taking effect, calling it "unconstitutional" and a "full-scale assault" on patients seeking abortions. But SCOTUS didn't weigh in by the midnight deadline.
So what happens now?
The law stays in place. And any appeals or legal challenges could be even more difficult. Typically, state attorneys general and regulatory boards are defendants in abortion rights suits. But with the onus on regular people to 'snitch,' it'll be harder for abortion providers or clinics to figure out who they can sue to overturn it.
What are people saying?
Abortion providers say the law will "immediately and catastrophically" reduce abortion access in the state for 85% of patients – forcing many to go out of state, carry unwanted pregnancies, or resort to unsafe abortions. They also say it'll primarily affect low-income communities. Pro-life advocates called the legislation a "phenomenal victory." And reportedly said they're ready to sue anyone and anything that breaks it. Texas Right to Life launched a tip line so people can blow the whistle on those who aren't following the law. But Twitter users are banding together and filling the site with spam to delegitimize it.
theSkimm
For years, anti-abortion groups have worked to chip away at Roe v Wade. And have been waiting on a case that would give the Supreme Court – which has a conservative majority – grounds to overturn it. Now, Texas could be giving other states a new redprint to achieving their goal of taking away a woman's right to choose.
