Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is expected to sign House Bill 7, which allows private citizens to sue anyone who prescribes, distributes, or provides abortion medication to or from Texas. The bill passed the Senate 17-8 and aims to restrict abortion pill access, potentially influencing similar laws in other states.
State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R), the bill’s sponsor, said it would protect the unborn and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable, stating, “You manufacture and ship poisonous illegal drugs into Texas, and people are harmed; you will be held accountable.” The bill allows Texans to sue for up to $100,000 in damages, though women who take abortion medication cannot sue. It also protects Texas hospitals, physicians practicing solely in Texas, and providers treating medical emergencies.
Texas has largely banned abortion but abortion pills remain accessible via telehealth providers in states with abortion shield laws. HB 7 is part of ongoing efforts to limit abortion pill access, including lawsuits against providers in California and New York. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has pursued legal action against out-of-state providers, but some efforts have been blocked by abortion shield laws.
Experts say the bill could serve as a model for other states, with Texas Right to Life calling it a “blueprint for the rest of the country.”
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