Pro-abortion groups filed a lawsuit against the enforcement of recent abortion legislation in Texas.
SB 8, the Texas Heartbeat Act, prohibits abortionists from killing babies with detectable heartbeats. In the womb, the development of a heartbeat may occur as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. Pro-abortion groups are fighting against new legislation allowing private citizens to sue abortionists who practice illegally against SB 8. The plaintiffs include the Center for Reproductive Rights, Whole Woman’s Health, and Planned Parenthood Center for Choice.
The Texas Heartbeat Act “deputizes private citizens to enforce the law, allowing ‘any person’ other than government officials to bring a civil lawsuit against anyone who provides an abortion in violation of the act, ‘aids or abets’ such an abortion, or intends to do these things,” reads the lawsuit. Women who receive abortions can not be targeted, however, the abortionist and anyone who assists in setting up the abortion is legally liable under SB 8.
Opponents of the bill suggest a ban on abortions targets “underserved communities” such as people of color and low-income earners. “The burdens of this cruel law will fall most heavily on Black, Latinx, and indigenous patients who … will face particular challenges and injuries if forced to attempt to seek care out of state or else carry an unwanted pregnancy to term,” read the lawsuit.
Furthermore, the Texas Heartbeat Act offers a monetary reward of up to $10,000 to those who report illegal abortions. The lawsuit continues, “S.B. 8 places a bounty on people who provide or aid abortions, inviting random strangers to sue them.”
