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Earlier this month, the notorious Texas abortion law took effect, banning all abortions after six weeks—before many even know they're pregnant.
A particularly gruesome clause in the bill incentivizes Texans to rat out their neighbors, exposing anyone who receives an abortion, or even facilitates one, after six weeks to criminal liability.
The conservative Supreme Court, for now, has allowed the law to be enforced, despite its blatant violation of Roe v. Wade, which allowed for abortions before fetal viability.
Though the nation's highest Court has sidestepped the enforcement of its own ruling, some on the ground in Texas are resisting the law. Among them, Dr. Alan Braid.
In an essay for the Washington Post earlier this month, Braid admitted to performing an abortion after the six week mark, in violation of the law.
He wrote of his decision:
"I acted because I had a duty of care to this patient, as I do for all patients, and because she has a fundamental right to receive this care. I fully understood that there could be legal consequences — but I wanted to make sure that Texas didn't get away with its bid to prevent this blatantly unconstitutional law from being tested."
Now, in additional reporting from the Washington Post, Braid is facing a legal challenge from convicted tax fraud Oscar Stilley. Stilley, who is serving a 15 year home confinement sentence for his crimes, said he isn't personally opposed to abortion, but wants to test the constitutionality of the new law.
Conveniently, the Texas law promises up to $10 thousand to those who report illegal abortions.
Dr. Alan Braid—who violated Texas' abortion bounty hunting law—is being sued by Oscar Stilley, a felon from Arkansa… https://t.co/BJkz7Vi4De— 🍂🍂Imani Gandied Apples🍁🍁 (@🍂🍂Imani Gandied Apples🍁🍁) 1632173055.0
Stilley said after filing the complaint:
"If the law is no good, why should we have to go through a long, drawn-out process to find out if it's garbage?"
The development made waves across social media.
Dr. Braid is going to win—either because Stilley doesn’t have standing or because SB8 is unconstitutional under Cas… https://t.co/JNgivgYmby— Steve Vladeck (@Steve Vladeck) 1632174649.0
This is insane. We really need a legitimate SCOTUS. These careless rulings make a mockery of the justice system. https://t.co/JFrEu2OgeG— Kristen Lazarian (@Kristen Lazarian) 1632174520.0
New get rich quick scheme just dropped. https://t.co/hO6Fjonhid— U GOT TO BE SEEN VACCINED (@U GOT TO BE SEEN VACCINED) 1632173209.0
Everything is stupid. https://t.co/p0X220pvQU— tanya hayles (@tanya hayles) 1632229177.0
Please read this complaint. It is unbelievable. I can't think of a better case to challenge this law. https://t.co/F43t8vi62R— Ann Cofe (@Ann Cofe) 1632176327.0
U.S. having a normal one https://t.co/PZv01nSJ1Q— Matt Tebbe (@Matt Tebbe) 1632229128.0
People are praising Dr. Braid.
A “Come at me, bro” for the ages. Thank you Dr. Alan Braid. https://t.co/0bCMx3CYik— Alison Grinter Allen (@Alison Grinter Allen) 1631996019.0
Dr. Braid started providing abortions for Texas women before Roe V Wade was decided. This man is truly serving wom… https://t.co/DMK1OlG7rM— Yeet The Rich (@Yeet The Rich) 1632320973.0
Thank you for your courage, Dr. Alan Braid. “I understand that by providing an abortion beyond the new legal limit… https://t.co/cXTUn0Ei39— Renee Bracey Sherman (@Renee Bracey Sherman) 1631997287.0
The situation is still developing.