Texas district court judge hears over a dozen challenges to abortion law
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Austin, Texas – Debate on Senate Bill 8, also known as the Heartbeat Bill, continued in a Travis County district court on Wednesday. The Texas ban makes it illegal for a woman to have an abortion after 6 weeks.
It also allows individuals, abortion providers, or those who help with the process to sue.
“To say that they think abortion is wrong is not illegal, it is not illegal to campaign for SB8 to be passed by lawmakers.
The back and forth in the courtroom lasted all day.
“What they cannot do is threaten my clients with an unconstitutional law that threatens a constitutional violation not just for my clients but for thousands of pregnant Texans in need of an abortion,” said a plaintiff’s attorney.
Before the hearing, those who are contesting the ban made their views known. “It’s a terrifying feeling not in control of your own body or your future,” said Briana McLennan, Texas Equal Access Fund storyteller and social worker for abortions.
Proponents say many women seeking abortion in Texas have had to leave the state. “We turned a blind eye to the people of Texas,” said Anna Rupani, co-executive director of Fund Texas Choice.
And these women sometimes have to add up to 2 days of travel expenses. They said this was only available to those who have excess money to spend. Hence it is a violation of rights.
“If you allow a country to take away one of your rights, it can take away all of your rights,” said Marsha Jones, executive director of the Afiya Center.
Back in the courtroom, SB8 and its constitutionality are still being debated. “Senate Bill 8 calls into question our entire legal system,” argued the plaintiffs. “The state has chosen to give everyone the right because they know they can’t do it.”
The defendants who argue again just because you disagree with the law do not give you any reason to sue. “Plaintiffs are obviously very angry with this law,” they said. “But that doesn’t mean they have the right to sue these defendants.”
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OTHER HEADINGS:
Supreme Court doesn’t block Texas abortion law, institute hearing
Texas is calling on the Supreme Court to keep the Abortion Act in effect
DOJ urges the Supreme Court to block the Texas abortion law
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https://www.fox7austin.com/news/texas-district-court-judge-hears-over-a-dozen-challenges-to-abortion-law