Republicans continue to limit rights and access to a safe abortion across the nation, most recently in Texas, where the Lone Star State's Republican legislature passed Senate Bill 8. It now heads to the desk of Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who has expressed support for the legislation and is expected to sign it into law.
The bill is among the most restrictive anti-abortion bills in the nation, banning abortions after the detection of an embryonic heartbeat, which usually occurs around six weeks—before many even realize they're pregnant. There are no rape or incest exemptions.
If that isn't draconian enough, the bill also allows anyone in the state to sue over abortions performed after the six week mark. This paves the way for radical anti-abortion activists to target doctors and anyone who helps grant access to an abortion.
Given the rampant violence and murder committed by radical anti-abortion activists in the name of their cause, it's easy to imagine that activists would take it upon themselves to inundate doctors with litigation.
In a statement responding to the bill, Center for Reproductive Rights president Nancy Northup said:
"This bill essentially opens the floodgates to allow anyone who is hostile to abortion to sue doctors and clinics, consuming their resources and forcing them to shut down. We will pursue all legal options to prevent this law from taking effect."
Others share these concerns and have spoken out against the measure on social media..
Texas Republicans are trying to pass a law that would let anyone sue any woman who gets an abortion -- and her doct… https://t.co/VwynXelOig— melissa stout (@melissa stout) 1617216556.0
Republicans don't care about life in the least. What they care about is maintainin' control over women. https://t.co/65BazN79oO— Tea Pain (@Tea Pain) 1621014250.0
Texas is about to pass one of the most strict abortion laws in the country. This law will not only allow just abo… https://t.co/aTOuyowzLl— Boring but Radical. (@Boring but Radical.) 1620955594.0
To me this means it's time for me to donate to some Texas abortion funds. Before I do does anyone have a fund-a-tho… https://t.co/5iasmvJN3w— Jennie Wetter (@Jennie Wetter) 1621011869.0
Some even compared Texas to Gilead—the dystopian nation featured in The Handmaid's Tale.
Texas becoming Gilead. I’m ready to bounce after this TxLedge session. https://t.co/DhpzpGiIEk— Nic (@Nic) 1620997360.0
When I taught high school history I would joke with my students who were reading The Handmaids Tale for their Engli… https://t.co/0FTYhzHAc0— Bryan J Henry (@Bryan J Henry) 1620956511.0
If Obama being elected had anything to do with the increased outward oppression of people of color. I can't imagine… https://t.co/pYM2eiMumQ— Mark Farris 🏳️⚧️ he/him/his (@Mark Farris 🏳️⚧️ he/him/his) 1620953344.0