In a landmark decision, a Texas judge on friday allowed Texas women with complicated
pregnancies to opt for abortions, keeping the doctors free of any prosecution on performing an
abortion. This comes after months of legal battles surrounding the Texas law
The order issued by the State District Judge Jessica Mangrum wrote in her ruling that Senate 8
Bill, the abortion law was unconstitutional, further stating that doctors cannot be prosecuted for
terminating a complicated pregnancy under legitimate circumstances.
Under the Abortion Law, doctors who perform an abortion may be sentenced to fines up to
$100,000 and a life in prison. The court found that the law was mostly challenged by women
who faced complicated pregnancies risking their lives but were denied rights to abort. The new
ruling comes into effect immediately, however, abortion clinics have been shut in Texas since
the abortion law came into effect.
In one of the most restrictive laws in the U.S, the challenge worked towards finding more clarity
on the exceptions surrounding the Texas abortion ban instead of repealing the Abortion Law.
However, sources suggest that the state is likely to appeal against the order.
What is the Texas Abortion Law?
Senate 8 Bill or “Texas Heartbeat Act” stands out as one of the most controversial legislation of
all times. The law which was passed in May and effective from September 1, 2021. According to
the law, if fetal cardiac activity is detected which is usually at six weeks of pregnancy, one
cannot have an abortion in Texas. According to abortion providers, more than 80% of the
procedures are performed after 6 weeks of pregnancy.
Shockingly, the law makes no exceptions for rape, incest’s or sexual abuse. Only under medical
emergencies such as ectopic pregnancy and HELLP syndrome, a patient may be allowed to
undertake abortion. Patients who desire to have an abortion cannot be sued, however those
helping a patient can be sued by law, including non Texas residents. This controversial law also
acts as a disincentive for lawyers to challenge it in the court.
Amanda Zurawski- The Woman Who Nearly Died
Amanda Zurawski and her husband Josh, newly added residents of Texas were planning to
grow their family with their first child on the way. However, the couple were left devastated after
Amanda got diagnosed with cervical insufficiency that weakened the cervical tissue making it
difficult for her newborn to survive. However, the doctors refused to perform an abortion as her
condition was not legally severe enough for a medical procedure.
Three days following this revelation, Amanda went into septic shock forcing the doctors to
perform an abortion. The sepsis caused one of Amanda’s fallopian tubes to be blocked
permanently making it difficult for her to conceive in future. Along with 13 other women, Amanda
decided to challenge the state abortion law and has played a significant role since then.
