Texas bans abortion as early as 6 weeks and opens up our courts to frivolous lawsuits, despite widespread opposition

Austin, TX – Governor Abbott just signed into law SB 8, one of the most extreme anti-abortion bills in the country. This bill bans abortion as early as six weeks gestation before most people know they are pregnant, making abortion nearly impossible to access.

It also opens the door for frivolous, harassing lawsuits against Texans by making it possible for any person, anywhere to sue anyone in Texas for helping someone access abortion care after the 6-week mark. They don’t have to have any proof, and if they lose, they don’t have to cover legal fees. The intent of the bill is clear: to avoid constitutional scrutiny by not allowing the state to enforce its own restriction and to destroy the infrastructure created by abortion funds and advocates that ensures even the most marginalized communities can access the care they need. 

Just a few months ago, Texans were freezing to death in their homes. Instead of focusing on fixing our power grid, Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, and the majority in the Texas Legislature used their power to force through one of the most dangerous abortion bans in the country. The passage of SB 8 makes it clear that our governor panders to extremists instead of prioritizing the needs of all Texans. 

Recent polling shows that even Republican and pro-life voters think this bill goes too far. Additionally, more than 300 lawyers and 200 physicians in Texas signed open letters to the House Speaker demanding that he stop this dangerous bill from passing—because it poses a serious threat to our legal infrastructure and healthcare system. 

The Supreme Court announcement Monday that they will consider Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization next term means it is imperative to secure abortion rights at the state level.

Avow Executive Director Aimee Arrambide issued the following statement: 
“By signing SB 8, Governor Abbott made it clear today: he does not care what the cost of his hateful agenda is, as long as he gets a political win. In 2022 when Texans head to the polls, they’ll remember that the majority in the Texas Legislature, Lt. Governor Patrick, and Governor Abbott chose to ban abortion instead of expanding access to health care, securing our energy grid, and supporting Texans and their families struggling during the largest public health crisis in recent history.”