Texas Governor Signs Bill Banning Abortions After Fetal Heartbeat Detection
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on May 19 signed a bill that bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected.
“Our creators endowed us with the right to life. And yet, millions of children lose their right to life every year because of abortion,” Abbott, a Republican, said at the bill-signing ceremony in Austin. The bill “ensures that the life of every unborn child who has a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion.”
The legislation, Texas Senate Bill 8, centers on the idea that the state never repealed laws enacted before the 1973 Supreme Court decision in favor of the plaintiffs in Roe v. Wade—which in essence ruled abortion to be a constitutional right.
Texas laws bar and criminalize abortion unless the mother’s life is in danger.
The new bill states that a doctor may not perform or induce an abortion unless they have determined whether the unborn child has a detectable fetal heartbeat. If a heartbeat is detected, an abortion can only be performed if a medical emergency exists.
The legislation bans state officials from enforcing the provisions. Instead, private citizens—except for an individual who impregnated a woman through rape or incest—may file lawsuits against doctors, clinics, and anyone involved in an abortion that violates the law.
The bill goes into effect on Sept. 1.
On May 13, Abbott indicated his intention to sign the bill after the upper chamber passed it by an 18–12 margin and the lower chamber approved it 83–64.
Several Democrats voted for the legislation, though most opposed it.
“Say it with me: Abortion is healthcare. I’m proud to have voted against #SB8 while it was in the House,” state Rep. Jessica Gonzalez, a Democrat, wrote in a tweet on Wednesday.
A number of groups also criticized the bill.
https://www.ntd.com/texas-governor-signs-bill-banning-abortions-after-fetal-heartbeat-detection_615536.html