Latest news with #TexasRighttoLife
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bill curbing the flow of abortion pills into Texas likely dead
A sweeping proposal to crack down on abortion pills is likely dead after it failed to meet a key deadline in the Texas House. The bill, which had support from state and national anti-abortion groups, was seen as the most aggressive attempt yet to stop the flow of abortion pills into the state. Senate Bill 2880 passed the Senate easily last month despite concerns from Democrats, but had languished in the House State Affairs committee before it passed out at the last minute. The report didn't make it to the committee that schedules bills to come to the House floor in time to meet the Tuesday deadline. 'This is a significant failure from the House,' Texas Right to Life president John Seago said. 'When you look at the opportunity this bill had, it seems like there was a deliberate effort to slow the bill down, if not to kill it.' The bill would have allowed anyone who manufactured, distributed, prescribed or provided abortion pills to be sued for $100,000, expanded the wrongful death statute and empowered the attorney general to bring lawsuits on behalf of 'unborn children of residents of this state.' The bill contained several unique legal provisions, including one that said the law could not be challenged in state court, prompting separation-of-powers concerns among legal experts. Any state judge who found the law unconstitutional could be personally sued for $100,000. Conservatives blamed State Affairs Chair Ken King, a Republican from Canadian, for sitting on the bill for more than three weeks before passing it out at the last minute. More than 40 lawmakers signed onto a letter calling on King to bring the bill up for a vote. 'If Chairman King kills a bill that would protect tens of thousands of innocent children from the murder that is abortion, Republicans will be forced to hold him accountable,' said Rep. Nate Schatzline, a Fort Worth Republican, at a press conference on Friday. King, a six-term Republican, is relatively moderate for the Texas House, which has become more conservative in recent sessions. While Texas Right to Life has been critical of his allegiance on certain abortion issues, even going so far as to endorse his primary opponents, other anti-abortion groups, like Texas Alliance for Life, have long supported him as an ally. King did not respond to a request for comment. Seago intimated that King would be in the running for Texas Right to Life's 'biggest disappointment' award, but said the bill stalling out reflected a larger issue with House leadership. He credited Speaker Dustin Burrows, a Lubbock Republican, for his long-standing support on abortion issues, but said he didn't do enough to move the ball on this bill. 'For the speaker, it's not an issue of his values, it's an issue of his priorities,' Seago said. 'For something that is controversial like this, that is going to be a tough floor fight, you have to have the speaker not just say he's supportive of it, but actually push it.' In a session busy with other conservative priorities like school vouchers, THC, bail and voting, further restricting abortion pills fell down the priority list for some lawmakers, especially as a majority of Texas voters opposed authorizing private lawsuits against someone who provides abortion pills. After a bruising few years that saw the near-total banning of abortion in Texas, abortion access groups saw a sliver of hope in the failure of this bill. 'It wasn't so long ago that the Texas Legislature could pass any extreme anti-abortion law,' said Molly Duane, senior counsel with the Center for Reproductive Rights. 'This feels like a pretty radical change from just a handful of years ago.' With the deadline for bills to come to the House floor in the rearview mirror, some conservative lawmakers are assessing ways to get aspects of the bill tacked onto existing legislation, or taken up in special session, Seago said. But he acknowledged these are likely long-shot proposals at this point in the session, which ends Monday. 'A lot of conservative legislators are looking for any and every opportunity to walk away with pro-life victories,' he said. 'So as long as that political window remains open, we'll keep pushing it.' First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A Texas bill to block abortion pills has died for now
A major Texas bill that was poised to offer a blueprint for abortion restrictions has likely died in the state legislature. Senate Bill 2880, a top priority for the state's abortion opponents, would have targeted people who manufacture, distribute, mail or otherwise provide abortion medication in Texas. It would have enabled private citizens to sue people who distributed or provided abortion pills in Texas for a minimum of $100,000. Backers said the bill was meant to hit organizations such as Aid Access, an abortion telehealth provider that helps people in states with abortion bans who want to terminate their pregnancies. But despite clearing key legislative hurdles — the bill passed the state's Republican-led Senate in April and received approval from a House committee Friday evening — SB 2880 was not scheduled for a floor vote in Texas' House of Representatives. Tuesday is the deadline for Senate bills to receive a vote in the House; the bill's omission means it will not make it to the governor's desk before the legislative session ends this week. 'It's very disappointing to see that it likely won't pass this session,' said Ashley Leenerts, legislative director of Texas Right to Life, which helped craft the bill and lobbied heavily for its passage. SB 2880 seemed poised to pass. The bill's Senate sponsor, Republican Bryan Hughes, chairs his chamber's influential state affairs committee, which oversees legislation affecting state policy and government. The bill had also been reviewed and approved by staff for Gov. Greg Abbott, Leenerts said. 'This has been Texas Right to Life's top priority since the session began,' she said. 'We're going to keep working and do our best. But it did seem like there had been support from leadership in the House, Senate and governor.' Components of the bill could move forward as amendments to other legislation or if Abbott, who opposes abortion, calls a special legislative session this summer. But multiple activists from Texas Right to Life said they are unaware of bills that could serve as an amendment vehicle for SB 2880's abortion medication restrictions. Abbott has also not indicated that he will summon the legislature back for a special session. John Seago, the head of Texas Right to Life, would not comment directly on the possibility of a special legislative session, but added, 'There's still a small window for other opportunities for this policy to get passed, and we're going to continue to push those.' 'We're the most stubborn, we're the most non-compromising pro-life group in Texas,' Seago said. About 1 in 5 abortions are now done through telehealth, with half for patients in states with bans on the procedure or restrictions on telehealth. The practice is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy that does not require someone to visit an abortion clinic. The providers prescribing and sending medication are from states such as New York, Massachusetts and California, whose 'shield laws' protect them from out-of-state prosecutions. SB 2880, modeled after a six-week abortion ban it erected in 2021, aimed to put a stop to the practice by threatening providers with financially ruinous lawsuits. Abortion opponents in other states have voiced frustration that the prevalence of telemedicine abortion has seriously undercut their efforts to ban the procedure. Though a dozen states have banned abortion almost entirely, the number of abortions in the country has not fallen — thanks in no small part to the growing share of people who now get abortions through the mail. Abortion opponents have pushed for restrictions on medication abortion — and on telehealth specifically — at the federal level and individual state governments. But so far, none have successfully halted the practice. 'The anti-abortion movement knows if they want to stop abortion in the future, they have to stop pills, but historically, that's a hard thing to do,' said David Cohen, a law professor at Drexel University who has helped craft state shield laws. 'It's a hard thing to do to stop a drug. That's partly why the anti-abortion movement is flailing.' Even without legislation, Seago said his organization will continue to press for policies targeting medication abortion. 'There are things the attorney general, the governor's office, comptroller's office — there are things the Texas state government has power to do today that it has not done,' he said. 'We will continue to put pressure on those individuals. We don't sit on our hands for two years.' And the issue of mailing abortions to states with bans may be ultimately settled in courts. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a civil lawsuit targeting a New York-based doctor for allegedly mailing pills to a patient in Texas. In Louisiana, state prosecutors have pursued criminal charges. Those cases are still making their way through the courts, and will likely involve legal challenges to the shield laws abortion providers have so far relied on. The post A Texas bill to block abortion pills has died for now appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter.
CBS News
30-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Texas senate unanimously approves changes to clarify abortion ban's medical exceptions
The Texas Senate approved changes Tuesday to the state's strict abortion ban that both Republicans and Democrats say would clarify medical exceptions and has drawn support from women who were told they could not end their pregnancies despite life-threatening complications. The unanimous passage of the bill in the GOP-controlled Senate — by a 31-0 vote — marked a rare moment of bipartisanship on an issue that for years has roiled the state Capitol as Texas Republicans have defended one of the nation's most restrictive abortion bans and launched criminal investigations into alleged violations. Key changes: Clarifying medical exceptions for life-threatening conditions Under Senate-passed changes, Texas' ban would specify that doctors are allowed to perform an abortion if a patient is experiencing a "life-threatening" condition capable of causing death, and "not necessarily one actively injuring the patient." The bill would also require doctors to receive training on the revised law. "Since 2021, abortions in Texas have essentially ceased," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement Tuesday. "As a Christian and a conservative, I celebrate that tens of thousands of tiny Texans have been saved and that Texas has led the way in protecting life nationwide. SB 31, which is only designed to provide legal clarity for doctors in rare cases when a mother's life is threatened, is supported by Texas Right to Life, Texas Alliance for Life, and other life groups." If approved by the state House and signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, the revisions would mark the first time Texas lawmakers have modified language in the near-total abortion ban since it took effect after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. "We know there are cases where moms who should have been treated were denied treatment," Republican state Sen. Bryan Hughes said on the floor of the chamber before the vote, urging lawmakers to adopt changes that make the law "crystal clear." No exceptions for rape or incest Texas' ban would still have no exception in cases of rape or incest and the law would not spell out specific medical exceptions, which Senate Democrats noted even as they said they would support it and predicted it would save lives. "I will vote for it, but this policy is no less cruel for being made clear," Democratic state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt said. Republican lawmakers in Kentucky passed a similar bill in March that added specific medical exceptions to the state's ban, which also prohibits all abortions except in medical emergencies. Last year, South Dakota released an instructional video for doctors to clarify the state's abortion restrictions. The Texas bill comes following years of the state's abortion ban successfully navigating court challenges and scrutiny from doctors and abortion rights advocates. The advocates say the state's laws are too vague when defining what is considered a "life-threatening condition." Hughes, who is one of the architects of the state's stringent abortion ban, said he introduced the bill to "remove any doubt" that doctors can perform an abortion when the mother's life is at risk. Texas law currently prohibits all abortions, including in cases of rape or incest, except in instances to save the life of the mother. Physicians can face up to 99 years in prison and be fined up to $100,000 if they perform an illegal abortion. Scrutiny and challenges remain Several women challenged existing medical exceptions under Texas law as too narrow. They called the new legislation a small step in the right direction and would allow doctors to act more urgently. Kaitlyn Kash, who was denied an abortion after experiencing serious pregnancy complications, said at a news conference this month that she was "cautiously optimistic" about the bill. The Texas Supreme Court in 2024 said that the state's abortion laws were not too vague, ruling against several women who were denied an abortion after experiencing serious pregnancy complications. The Texas Medical Board also declined to list specific medical exceptions allowed under the law. In March, Texas filed criminal charges against a Houston midwife for allegedly providing illegal abortions, and the state is also suing a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills to a Texas woman.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas Senate Bill 31 looks to eliminate emergency abortion 'loopholes'
The Brief Texas lawmakers present a trio of abortion bills to strengthen abortion laws and clear up what is constituted as a medical emergency. Senate Bill 31 is intended to protect doctors who perform abortions in cases of medical emergencies. Lawmakers debate Senate Bill 33 and Senate Bill 28-80 to close any potential loopholes that cities have exploited by using public funds to support out-of-state abortion travel. Texas lawmakers took up a trio of bills that aim at strengthening some of the strictest abortion laws in the nation. But one bill is intended to clarify when doctors can perform an abortion during an emergency — a situation some doctors say has been murky. What we know When the Texas Heartbeat Act was established in 2021, medical professionals across the lone-star state claimed it muddied the waters on what constituted a medical emergency, allowing an abortion to be performed, legally, and without repercussions. Senate Bill 31, dubbed the "Life of the Mother Act", seeks to get clinicians on the same page. It also comes after the news outlet Propublica reported on three Texas women, including 28-year-old Josseli Barnica, who died after not receiving critical care during miscarriages. Dig deeper Also in committee on Thursday, was Senate Bill 33 and Senate Bill 28-80 were debated. SB 33 is to close "loopholes" that supporters say some cities have exploited using public funds to support out-of-state abortion travel. "SB 33 bans the logistical support, which includes child care, transportation to or from abortion providers, lodging and meals. Overall, Senate Bill 33 ensures that, local governments comply with Texas pro-life laws," said State Senator, Donna Campbell of Texas District 25. This would implement criminal penalties for people and organizations who fund others' abortions. It also aims to crack down on those who mail abortion-inducing medications into the state. What they're saying "The intent of this bill is to remove any excuse from a doctor or a hospital treating a mom, for example, with an ectopic pregnancy, or a mom who's suffered a miscarriage or situations like that. To remove any question, any hesitation," said State Senator, Bryan Hughes of Texas District 1. "This will protect doctors and civil suits. It will protect them in criminal prosecution as well as any discipline from the medical board," said Texas Right to Life President, Dr. John Seago. The other side Reaction to the bills are drawing swift criticism from many women's health advocacy groups. "This is more about control than it is about protecting people or protecting their health or protecting life," said Denise Rodriguez of the Texas Equal Access fund. Rodriguez works for Texas Equal Access Fund, an organization funded through private donors which helps Texas women get access to abortions in other states. Under the new legislation, she and her group could be prosecuted. "Anybody who is thought to have helped somebody access care… like somebody who gave somebody a ride to the airport, somebody who helped them pay for the procedure or facilitated in some way," said Rodriguez. She accuses some lawmakers of intentionally "disguising" pieces of the legislation to avoid a bigger fuss. "It is a political Trojan horse. It's being marketed as a way to provide clarity for physicians and hospitals to be able to provide emergency medical care for pregnant Texans who are facing emergencies. But it doesn't do that," said Rodriguez. What's next The timeline is unclear about when the trio of bills will be voted on or whether there's any indication they'd then pass the house. The Source Information in this article is provided by the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs and previous FOX 4 coverage.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Abortion opponents laud bill that would clamp down on pill providers and out-of-state abortions
A wide-ranging crackdown on abortion pills, out-of-state travel and other ways Texans are evading the state's near-total abortion ban drew zealous support from abortion opponents who said during a Senate committee meeting on Thursday that illegal trafficking of abortion pills harms women. Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, authored Senate Bill 2880, which legal experts say is the most comprehensive attempt yet to stop Texans from accessing abortion pills or out-of-state abortions. The bill would target online pill providers and tech companies that host abortion-related websites, and make it a felony, punishable by up to life in prison, to pay or reimburse the costs of an abortion, a direct hit on abortion funds, which help cover the costs of out-of-state abortions. It would also expand the ability of private citizens to bring wrongful death lawsuits against pill providers after an abortion and empower the attorney general's office to more easily prosecute abortion offenses. By going after the internet service providers, social media sites and search engines that power these websites, Texas could potentially undermine the entire network of pills and providers serving abortion-ban states. 'Senate Bill 2880 is a big toolbox of policies for Texas to fight back against these websites,' said John Seago, president of Texas Right to Life, during Thursday's hearing of the Senate State Affairs Committee. 'Texas will be leading other states on how we can fight this concerning trend.' A large body of research has shown abortion drug mifepristone, first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000, to be safe and effective. But anti-abortion groups have been actively pushing to get the medications restricted or even moved off the market through lawsuits and legislation. Anti-abortion groups told lawmakers during the hearing that pregnant people in Texas are receiving pills such as mifepristone and misoprostol in the mail without any information about how to take them, or guidelines on follow-up care. Providers shared stories about women hemorrhaging at home or struggling to dispose of the remains of an aborted fetus. 'I see women suffering daily from the effects of incomplete chemical abortions,' said Whitney Freeman, director of medical services at Prestonwood Pregnancy Center in the Dallas area. Freeman said sometimes women receive pills in the mail with no medical instructions, or with instructions in a foreign language such as Russian. Patients are told not to tell medical providers that they are in the process of a chemical abortion, which can then prevent them from receiving the care they need, Freeman said SB 2880, called the Woman and Child Protection Act, would allow private citizens to sue for up to $100,000 per violation of the law. This is an escalation of the legal framework that allowed Texas to ban nearly all abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy in 2021. Critics of the bill told lawmakers on Thursday that the legislation demonstrates government overreach and would infringe upon constitutional free speech. Austin Kaplan, an Austin attorney who sued over the 2021 law, told The Texas Tribune that it was inevitable that lawmakers would keep pushing to expand the use of this private enforcement mechanism. He said this bill, as written, would likely be challenged in court, although he noted that hasn't stopped Texas lawmakers before. 'Looking at this, it looks just completely impossible,' he said. 'But what's the penalty for the Legislature? The legislator gets reelected. They don't pay out of pocket for this litigation.' The committee also signaled its support of a priority bill for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, which would prohibit cities and counties from using taxpayer dollars to pay for out-of-state abortions and travel. Senate Bill 33 targets Austin and San Antonio, which have designated $400,000 and $500,000, respectively, to assist residents with costs associated with navigating abortion bans. State law already prevents taxpayer funds from being used to pay for abortions, but some cities have 'worked to exploit a loophole,' said bill author Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, by using taxpayer funds to pay for travel accommodations, child care and other expenses women incur when they seek out-of-state abortions. 'We have so many things we need to be spending our taxpayer dollars on,' said San Antonio City Council Member Marc Whyte, who testified in favor of the bill. 'Not once have I heard the residents of San Antonio saying they want their tax dollars spent on sending women to other states to receive abortions.' Under SB 33, the attorney general or any Texas resident could bring a civil legal action against cities that misuse funds by paying to facilitate abortions. We can't wait to welcome you to the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas' breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 13–15 in downtown Austin. Step inside the conversations shaping the future of education, the economy, health care, energy, technology, public safety, culture, the arts and so much more. Hear from our CEO, Sonal Shah, on TribFest 2025. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
