Status: 01.09.2021 5:01 p.m.
As of today, the US state of Texas makes it almost impossible for women to have an abortion. As soon as the first heartbeat of the fetus can be heard, the procedure is prohibited. No exceptions are made for rape and incest either.
One of the strictest abortion laws in the United States has come into effect in the US state of Texas. Republican Governor Greg Abbott signed it in May. The law forbids abortions as soon as the fetus’s heartbeat can be heard, i.e. from about the sixth week. At this point in time, many women do not even know that they are pregnant.
Texas goes even further than other states in its legislation. Even in the case of rape or incest, there will be no exceptions in the future. But what stands out above all is that the enforcement of the law is left to the Texan citizens.
There is a $ 10,000 fine
It allows them to investigate a suspected abortion and take civil action against those who assist a woman with an abortion.
This could result in lawsuits against a number of people: for example, against someone who drives a person to an abortion appointment or against parents who pay for an abortion. Health center workers face a $ 10,000 fine for assisting women to have illegal abortions.
A call has been made to the Supreme Court
Women’s rights organizations fear a downright hunt down anyone who supports pregnant women with abortions. “Access to almost all abortions has just been cut off for millions of people. The effects will be immediate and devastating,” said civil rights organization ACLU. About 85 to 90 percent of women in Texas who would terminate pregnancy are said to be at least six weeks pregnant.
Abortion providers criticize Texas for failing to adequately check its constitutionality when it passed the law. Civil rights activists and clinics had already asked the US Supreme Court to stop the law. But so far he has not responded to the urgent application. This means that the law is in force until further notice.
“Heartbeat bills” in other countries too
The goal of anti-abortionists in many states is to overturn a nearly 50-year-old law that gives women the right to terminate the pregnancy before the fetus is viable – that is, up to the sixth month. As a result of the personnel decisions made by then President Donald Trump, the conservative judges now have a majority in the Supreme Court.
Similar laws known as “heartbeat bills” have also been passed in several other Republican-ruled states. Supreme Court justices want to deal with Mississippi’s new abortion laws this fall.
With information from Katrin Brand, ARD-Studio Washington
Texas is making abortions almost impossible as of today
Katrin Brand, ARD Washington, September 1, 2021 4:02 p.m.