Texas Passes Bill Allowing Citizens to Sue Over Abortion Pill Distribution

The Texas legislature on Wednesday approved House Bill 7, a measure that empowers private citizens to sue individuals or entities that manufacture, distribute, or mail abortion medication into or out of the state. The bill now awaits the signature of Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it after naming anti-abortion legislation as a priority in the current special session. Successful plaintiffs will be entitled to a minimum of $100,000 in damages under the law.

The legislation exempts women who take abortion pills, including in cases of miscarriage, as well as doctors and hospitals dealing with medical emergencies such as ectopic pregnancies. Postal workers, delivery services, and air carriers are also shielded from liability. Supporters argue the bill will help curb the influx of abortion drugs into Texas, where nearly all abortions were banned following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Opponents, however, say the law could create a climate of fear and distrust among Texans. Democratic Senator Carol Alvarado of Houston warned that the bill encourages residents to monitor one another, saying, “This bill only works if we turn Texans against each other. Imagine living in fear of the man standing behind you at the pharmacy.” Texas is among 14 states that have imposed near-total abortion bans since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright