The Texas Supreme Court has overturned a decision in a lower court that a few days ago allowed abortion clinics to continue their work.
Today 11:55
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–The abortion clinics had already started accepting patients again when the court made its decision late Friday.
The decisions, in which abortion clinics reject patients, give them new hours for consultation and then have to cancel again – all in less than a week – illustrate the chaos and confusion in the United States since the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade. For 50 years, the ruling had given American women the right to abortion.
The ruling in the lower court in Houston ensured that abortion clinics could continue with abortion services up to six weeks into the pregnancy, in line with an earlier state law. But State Attorney Ken Paxton asked the Texas Supreme Court to overturn the decision and upheld it.
Chaos and confusion
Since the Supreme Court ruling on abortion on June 24, abortion clinics and patients have struggled to grasp the chaotic developments around the United States.
Some states made laws that were already on hold valid from day one. Others had to apply to the courts for permission. Once the dust has settled, at least 20 states are expected to impose a ban. The ban is with or without some exceptions, including for incest, rape and if the mother’s life is in danger.
In Florida, a law banning abortion after week 15 came into force on Friday. The day before, a judge said that this law was a violation of the state constitution, and he made it clear that he will block it again next week.
Better access than neighboring states
The law is gaining importance in the southern states of the United States, since it still provides better access to abortion than neighboring states.
In Kentucky, the right to abortion has been lost and regained in a matter of days. On June 24, a pending law was enacted. But on Thursday it was stopped by a court, so that the state’s two abortion clinics can keep the doors open for the time being.
The legal chaos is expected to continue in the future, with rulings that on one day’s notice can revoke or block decisions. At the same time, states where abortion is legal must prepare for a flood of abortion-seeking women from other states.
Risking prosecution
Even when women travel to other states to have an abortion, they may be prosecuted in the home state where abortion is prohibited.
Planned Parenthood in Montana therefore stopped sending abortion pills to patients in states with bans this week. This is to reduce the risk that patients, healthcare professionals and others may be prosecuted in an ever-changing legal and political landscape.
The same organization in Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska says that patients who receive abortion pills must take them in states that allow abortion, since the law is so vague.
On Friday, a law was introduced in South Dakota that opens the door to prosecute anyone who prescribes abortion pills without a license from the state’s own authorities.
Aid for transport can be punished
In Alabama, the judiciary is investigating whether people or groups can be brought to justice for financing and transporting women to other states for abortions.
Due to the legal uncertainty, the Yellowhammer Fund, a group in Alabama that helps poor women with abortion and travel expenses, has suspended the business for two weeks.
Access to abortion pills has become an important battle area in the battle for the right to abortion.
The Biden administration says it will make it clear that states cannot ban drugs that are approved by the FDA. On Friday, President Biden said that women who travel between states to have an abortion should be protected.
“If a woman lives in a state that prohibits or restricts abortion, the Supreme Court ruling does not prevent her from traveling from her home state to a state that allows abortion,” the president told CNN.
From Texas to Florida
Laura Goodhue of Florida’s Planned Parenthood says their clinics have admitted patients who have driven non-stop from as far away as Texas to have an abortion. Women who are past week 15 will be notified to contact again if the 15-week restriction is lifted.
Nevertheless, there is concern that a repeal will only be temporary.
– It’s horrible for patients. We are really nervous about what might happen, says Goodhue.
Published: July 2, 2022 11:55 AM
Updated: July 2, 2022 5:13 PM
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