Texas Senate Passes Contigency Bill to Outlaw Abortion after Roe v. Wade

If Roe v Wade is ever overturned, Texas women seeking abortion would face criminal penalties under a bill recently passed by Senate.

According to House Bill 1280, abortion in Texas would be outlawed on the 30th day after the issuance of a United States Supreme Court judgment overruling of Roe v. Wade, whether wholly or partly.

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The bill creates civil penalties and criminal penalties for those who commit the "offense" of abortion and awards them felony of the second degree, except that the offense is a felony of the first degree if an unborn child dies as a result of the offense. Doctors could face life in prison and fines of $100,000+ if they perform an abortion.

In HB 1280 an unborn child is defined as, "an individual living member of the homo sapiens species from fertilization until birth, including the entire embryonic and fetal stages of development."

So literally the moment that the sperm attaches to an egg and is fertilized, Texas legislators would consider that combination as an "unborn child." The only exceptions for abortion under this bill would be if there was a "great risk" for the pregnant female to die, or if pregnancy would substantially impair MAJOR bodily functions of the pregnant female. Rape, incest, or suicide would not be valid reasons for abortion under this legislation.

HB 1280 was filed on January 22, 2021 and quickly advanced through the House and Senate. The bill is now heading to Governor Abbott's desk for signature. Unless Governor Abbott has changed his position on abortion, this bill is very likely to be signed into law.

Blessed be the fruit, I guess.