Starting September 1, Texas will ban abortions as soon as a fetal heart beat is detected, which in many cases is as early as six weeks. Senate Bill 8, also known as "the heartbeat bill," passed in the latest legislative session. It is the first of its kind in the fact that unlike other laws, this law gives the power of enforcement to the people by providing a pathway for anyone to sue an abortion provider or a person who helps a women obtain the procedure—a feature very similar to an ordinance passed in Lubbock. It’s putting the legal system in uncharted territory.
Guests:
Ashley Lopez, Health and Politics Reporter, KUT
Sarah Self-Walbrick, Seniore Reporter, Texas Tech Public Media
Helpful Links:
Texas' New Anti-Abortion Law Could Be Tough For Providers To Challenge In Court, by Ashley Lopez
Texas Lawmakers Pass Legislation That Would Immediately Outlaw All Abortions If 'Roe' Is Overturned, by Ashley Lopez
Twenty abortion providers sue Texas officials over law that bans abortions as early as six weeks
