Article Summary
Texas lawmakers have advanced a bill to clarify medical exceptions under the state’s near-total abortion ban. The bill would specify that doctors cannot face criminal charges for performing an abortion in a medical emergency that causes major bodily impairment. It also defines a “life-threatening” condition as one capable of causing death. The changes, while not expanding abortion access, are still a significant shift for Texas Republicans who have previously defended the law as written.
What This Means for You
- The bill, if passed, would provide some clarity for medical providers facing legal challenges under the state’s near-total abortion ban.
- The changes would not expand abortion access in Texas, and medical exemptions would still only apply in life-threatening situations, not in cases of rape or incest.
- The bill could potentially make it easier for doctors to perform abortions without fear of criminal charges in medical emergencies, but it does not list specific medical conditions or include fatal fetal anomalies as exceptions.
- This development points to a larger trend of lawmakers in at least nine states seeking to change or clarify medical exceptions to abortion bans since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Original Post
Texas lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday to clarify medical exceptions under one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the U.S., putting the GOP-backed proposal on the brink of reaching Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.
The changes would not expand abortion access in Texas or list specific medical exceptions under the state’s near-total ban, which took effect in 2022 and only allows for an abortion to save the life of the mother. It also would not include exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
But the proposal is still a pivot for Texas Republicans, who for years have defended the law as written in the face of legal challenges and pleas for clarity from medical providers. Democrats, meanwhile, have called the bill a positive step but also faced criticism from some abortion-rights allies who raised doubts about what, if any, impact it will have.
Senate Bill 31 passed 129-6 and needs only a final procedural vote before reaching Abbott, who has signaled support for the measure.
Key Terms
- Medical exceptions
- Abortion ban
- Near-total abortion ban
- Abortion access
- Reproductive rights
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