Team—

Today, on behalf of Texas abortion providers—led by Whole Woman's Health—along with several abortion funds, practical support networks, doctors, health center staff, and clergy members, the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a lawsuit to block a radical new Texas law.

Set to take effect September 1, the law bans abortion as early as six weeks of pregnancy and includes an unprecedented provision that encourages private individuals—including anti-abortion protestors with no connection to the patient—to file lawsuits seeking "enforcement" of the ban. The ban encourages anyone to essentially act as bounty hunters by awarding $10,000 or more to those who successfully sue another person for providing or assisting someone who gets an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.

If the law takes effect, abortion providers, clinic staff, and abortion funds could be saddled with endless lawsuits that consume their time and resources and prevent them from providing health care services, ultimately forcing them to shut down. The law will also incentivize anyone who disapproves of a patient’s abortion—a relative, an abusive partner, or even a stranger—to sue the provider and obtain a court order stopping the abortion.

Lawsuits could be filed against a broad range of people, including: a person who drives their friend to obtain an abortion; abortion funds providing financial assistance to patients; health center staff; even a member of the clergy who counsels or assists an abortion patient.

Approximately 85-90% of people who obtain abortions in Texas are at least six weeks into pregnancy, meaning this law would prohibit nearly all abortions in the state. Not to mention, many people do not realize they are pregnant until after six weeks. Abortion is already extremely difficult to access in Texas, where patients face countless hurdles, including a law that forces them to receive in-person, biased counseling and then wait at least 24 hours before obtaining an abortion, and a ban on telemedicine for abortion.

This law blatantly violates Texans' constitutional right to privacy and liberty as established by Roe v. Wade nearly 50 years ago. The law also violates the constitutional rights of abortion providers and supporters, including their right to equal protection under the law, and their First Amendment rights to speech and access to the courts.

With you by our side, we will keep fighting until everyone has access to safe, legal abortion care. You can learn more about the case and one of the leading plaintiffs, Whole Woman's Health Alliance, here.

Sincerely,

Center for Reproductive Rights