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The Supreme Court, The Texas Abortion Law (Sb8), And The Beginning Of The End Of Roe V Wade?, I. Glenn Cohen, Eli Y. Adashi, Lawrence O. Gostin
The Supreme Court, The Texas Abortion Law (Sb8), And The Beginning Of The End Of Roe V Wade?, I. Glenn Cohen, Eli Y. Adashi, Lawrence O. Gostin
Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works
Thirteen states have enacted so-called “fetal heartbeat” laws banning abortions once embryotic cardiac activity can be detected. Courts have enjoined their enforcement as unconstitutional. However, on September 1, 2021, the Supreme Court declined to block a Texas fetal heartbeat law, which virtually eliminates access to abortion services. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed SB8 into law on May 19th, with an effective date of September 1st. The law essentially prohibits abortion after 6 weeks of gestational age, before most women know they are pregnant.
Texas’ fetal heartbeat law has a unique feature. It empowers private individuals to bring civil lawsuits not …