Thousands less abortions in the Lone Star State in first month under new law.
QUICK FACTS:
- Abortions in Texas fell by 60% in the first month under the most conservative abortion law, called the ‘Heartbeat’ Bill, in the U.S. in decades, according to new figures that for the first time reveal a full accounting of the immediate impact, The Associated Press reports.
- The figures were released this month by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
- The month before the law took effect (August 2021), there had been more than 5,400 abortions statewide.
- 2,200 abortions were reported by Texas providers in September, after the Heartbeat Bill—which bans abortions if cardiac activity is detected in the baby—took effect
WHY THE NEW LAW IS WORKING:
- While other states have similar legislation, Texas’ measure contains a unique enforcement mechanism whereby any private citizen may file a civil lawsuit against an abortion provider or any other individual who “aids or abets” a “criminal abortion.”
- Under the law, any private citizen is entitled to collect $10,000 or more if they bring a successful lawsuit against someone who performed or helped a woman obtain an abortion after the limit defined by the Heartbeat Bill.
BACKGROUND:
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) in May 2021 signed the Heartbeat Bill into law
- The Texas Senate had approved the Heartbeat bill, 18-12, following its passage in the state House, 83-64.
- “This bill ensures the life of every unborn child with a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion,” said Gov. Abbot at the time.
