The Texas House has moved forward with a bill that would allow civilians to file lawsuits against those involved in the prescribing, manufacturing, and distribution of abortion medications, both within and outside the state.
The updated Texas Edition HB 7 passed the lower chamber of the state legislature on Thursday evening with a vote of 82-48 during the second special session called by Governor Greg Abbott. The bill is now headed to the Senate.
If passed, the bill would allow most individuals to sue manufacturers or distributors if successful in their lawsuit, securing at least $100,000 in damages. However, women in Texas who use abortion pills to terminate a pregnancy would not be able to sue.
The current bill language also exempts doctors practicing solely in Texas hospitals, and those who manufacture or distribute abortion drugs for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, or fatalities from legal action.
A similar measure was approved by the Texas Senate earlier this year but did not pass the House. Texas Tribune.
Current Texas law allows abortions only when necessary to save the life of the pregnant individual, with significant penalties for violators, including fines and potential life imprisonment.
Supporters and opponents are split on whether this law will curtail the availability of abortion drugs in Texas.
“Traffic of abortion drugs is already illegal under the Human Life Protection Act. We are committed to enforcing that and similar regulations,” stated Amy O’Donnell, communications director for Texas Alliance for Life. Abortion group.
O’Donnell emphasized that the revised HB 7 offers essential tools against illegal abortions and includes protections for women’s privacy by restricting the disclosure of personal and medical details in claims, as well as protecting against specific abuses related to domestic violence or sexual assault.
On the other hand, critics argue that the bill extends stringent abortion limitations in Texas well beyond its borders.
“This is another step to undermine abortion access not only in Texas but across the country,” said Astrid Ackerman, a staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights.
She described the measure as part of a “campaign of fear,” asserting that it instills anxiety among manufacturers and providers nationwide, encourages neighbors to monitor each other’s reproductive choices, and further isolates pregnant individuals in Texas while penalizing those who support them.
“We believe Texans should have the freedom to make choices about their own bodies and futures,” she added.
