The Texas Senate passed a significant piece of legislation on Tuesday during a special session in Austin, targeting the distribution of mail-order abortion pills. The bill, which allows nearly anyone to sue providers and distributors of the medication, is set to be signed by Governor Greg Abbott. Lawmakers expressed support for the measure, emphasizing the importance of protecting public health and upholding state laws regarding reproductive rights.
The legislation, which was approved with bipartisan support, represents a major shift in the state’s approach to abortion access. Proponents argue that the law is necessary to prevent the illegal distribution of abortion medication, which they claim poses risks to women’s health. Critics, however, have voiced concerns about the potential impact on women’s access to reproductive care and the legal consequences faced by those who provide or obtain the medication. Despite the debate, the bill has been passed and is now awaiting the governor’s signature.
The move comes amid heightened political tensions over reproductive rights, with the Texas state government taking a firm stance against what it deems as illegal medical procedures. The law is expected to face challenges in court as it is implemented, with opponents likely to argue that it violates federal protections under the Constitution.