Texas Bans Abortion After Six Weeks of Pregnancy
The state has passed one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country.
On Wednesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law barring most abortions after six weeks. The bill, known as the “heartbeat ban,” requires that abortion providers check for a fetal heartbeat before terminating a pregnancy. If a heartbeat is detected, the abortion cannot be performed.
Though the law provides exceptions for pregnancies that pose medical emergencies, there is no such leniency for cases of rape or incest. Abbott’s measure is one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the U.S. — the bill is essentially an outright ban on abortions, as most patients aren’t aware they are pregnant six weeks after conceiving. Setting it apart from similar legislature in other states, Texas’ new law also stipulates that anyone who aids a patient in accessing an abortion after six weeks is subject to a $10,000 USD fine.
If you’re concerned about the state of reproductive rights in the country, consider donating to an abortion fund. The National Network of Abortion Funds has a list of funds, by state, that you can donate to or connect with, should you be in need of an abortion.
