Dear John,

Roe fell on June 24, 2022. Today, another dreaded moment has arrived: Our “trigger law,” which significantly increases the penalty for performing the procedure, goes into effect.

Let us be clear: Today and every day, abortion is healthcare. Abortion is a moral good. Abortion is a blessing.

While we want to take time to explain what the trigger law means for Texans, we cannot let today diminish our hope for the continued fight ahead. Advocates, activists, and residents have remained committed to building a future where our bodies are our own, and that work deserves to be uplifted.

What exactly does the "trigger law" mean for abortion in Texas?

• The law bans abortion from fertilization and criminalizes any attempt by a medical professional to perform, induce, or attempt an abortion
• It increases the penalties for performing an abortion up to life in prison. The trigger law also says that the attorney general “shall” bring a lawsuit to seek a civil penalty of no less than $100,000 per abortion performed
• The only exception to the law is cases where the person carrying the pregnancy could be severely injured or lose their life
• Medical professionals have no clear guidance on what these exceptions mean—pregnant Texans have already experienced denied or delayed care

How activists, advocates, and communities have shown up for abortion access since the fall of Roe

• Texas Freedom Network and Texas Rising are on the ground speaking, mobilizing communities, and advocating for the passage of pro-choice city resolutions across the state dubbed "the GRACE Act"

• Some Texas abortion funds, like the Lilith Fund, are once again able to offer limited resources via hotlines. As an additional resource, we’ve created a Post-Roe Info + Action Center where you can find info on the evolving state of abortion access in Texas

• People are talking about abortion more than ever–and they’re voting for it–with Kansans most recently winning the fight to keep abortion legal in their state

Our fight for freedom over our own bodies will never stop.

Today may feel bleak for many of us, and it is okay to give ourselves space to feel that grief–but know that if we were not powerful, there would be no reason for anti-choice lawmakers’ continued attempts to control our bodies and our lives.

We have the strength to navigate this new world and forge our future path together.

In solidarity,

Emily Witt (she/her/hers)
TFN Communications Strategist

TFN is a statewide non-partisan, grassroots organization that is building an informed and effective movement working toward equality and social justice.

Texas Freedom Network
P.O. Box 1624
Austin, TX 78767
United States 
Phone: (512) 322-0545

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