Texas - Abolitionists Rising

Texas

Status of Abortion:

Legal

for mothers.

Illegal

for abortionists.

Texas’ trigger law went into effect following the overturn of Roe. The law (Texas Health and Safety Code § 170A.002-4) makes performing an abortion a first-degree felony for the abortionist. The law exempts mothers who perform their own abortions from any criminal liability: “This chapter may not be construed to authorize the imposition of criminal, civil, or administrative liability or penalties on a pregnant female on whom an abortion is performed, induced, or attempted.” Texas women can still order abortion pills online and perform their own abortions without any possibility of legal ramifications.

Abolition History:

State Rep. Tony Tinderholt introduced the first bill to abolish abortion in Texas in 2017. Texas House State Affairs Committee Chair Byron Cook refused to give the bill a hearing. Tinderholt also introduced the bill in 2019. Texas House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee Chair Jeff Leach refused to give the bill a vote. In 2021, State Rep. Bryan Slaton became the primary author of the bill. Texas House Public Health Committee Chair Stephanie Klick refused to give the bill a hearing. Slaton filed the bill again in 2023. In addition to Cook, Leach and Klick, pro-life organizations Texas Alliance for Life and Texas Right to Life have vociferously opposed the bill.