The state is a central access point for Texans seeking abortions. Two proposed bills would push Texans and Oklahomans to a narrow network of clinics in other nearby states.
Oklahoma took a step toward becoming the first state to ban most abortion — no matter how early in the pregnancy.
Medication abortions are more available than ever. That could create a new opening for people to circumvent in-state abortion restrictions.
Friday’s decision by the Texas Supreme Court could signal that similar abortion bans are likely to stay enforced and successfully survive legal challenges.
Anti-abortion lawmakers are trying a variety of approaches to limit access to the procedure — so that they are prepared to restrict access, no matter how the Supreme Court rules.
The ban, modeled on a Texas law that has survived legal challenges, will take effect in 30 days.
The two Republican senators dropped the bill as an amendment to the Women’s Health Protection Act, which failed to pass the Senate Monday.
Clinics say they are preparing for bans to take effect as early as April. Texas offers a preview of what might happen if those bills go into effect.
The 28-year-old lawyer came close to defeating nine-term incumbent Rep. Henry Cuellar in Texas in 2020. This year, Cisneros said she ‘owed it to the folks here to try it one more time.’
The Food and Drug Administration has moved to make the method more available even as states pass laws to restrict access.