Relating to abortion, including civil liability for the manufacture and provision of abortion-inducing drugs, exemptions from the Texas Citizens Participation Act and Religious Freedom Restoration Act, authorizing civil and qui tam actions, amendments to the fee-shifting statute governing abortion litigation, immunity defenses and limits on state-court jurisdiction and relief, the parens patriae standing of the attorney general, and the jurisdiction of the Fifteenth Court of Appeals; providing for severability.
Impact
The implications of SB6 are significant as it modifies existing regulations surrounding abortion. Through the introduction of civil and qui tam actions, individuals can file lawsuits against entities or individuals they believe violate the bill's terms. This could lead to increased litigation and pressure against those perceived as enabling abortions, severely impacting healthcare providers and related businesses. More importantly, the bill's provisions also challenge the existing scope of state laws on abortion, signaling a shift towards more stringent enforcement mechanisms, as well as potential conflicts with First Amendment protections.
Summary
SB6, known as the Woman and Child Protection Act, focuses on regulating abortion laws in Texas. The bill introduces strict liability definitions regarding abortion-inducing drugs, aiming to impose civil liability on individuals and organizations involved in their manufacture and provision. It also contains provisions that limit liability for certain internet service providers and cloud services involved in facilitating access to abortion-inducing drugs. By doing so, the bill seeks to ensure that individuals who take actions viewed as supportive of abortion do not face retribution under this law.
Contention
Notably, the bill faces criticism for potentially infringing on personal freedoms and legal protections. Opponents argue that it creates a chilling effect by incentivizing lawsuits against those who provide or support abortion services, thus undermining access entirely. Furthermore, the bill limits the jurisdiction of state courts over actions that challenge its provisions, aiming to shield itself from scrutiny and legal challenges. The imposition of liability on abortion-related actions raises contentious moral and legal discussions, particularly regarding women's rights and state intervention in personal health decisions.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs, and to the destruction of certain property; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to an exemption from abortion restrictions for unemancipated minors and the repeal of provisions regarding notice and consent to those abortions.
Relating to an exemption from abortion restrictions for unemancipated minors and the repeal of provisions regarding notice and consent to those abortions.
Relating to the creation of the Fifteenth Court of Appeals with jurisdiction over certain civil cases, the compensation of the justices of that court, and the jurisdiction of the courts of appeals in this state; authorizing fees.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs, and to the destruction of certain property; making conforming changes and harmonizing conforming provisions; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.
Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.