The latest abortion news from The Texas Tribune.
Republican state officials have said barring the procedure in almost all cases is essential for preserving hospital resources during the pandemic. Abortion providers call it political opportunism — and unconstitutional. Full Story
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Heather Artrip is one of hundreds of Texans whose plans regarding reproductive health have been cast into uncertainty in the wake of an executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott barring any procedures that are not “immediately medically necessary.” Full Story
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The court granted abortion providers’ motion to temporarily block the state from enforcing the order, which was set to expire April 21, as it relates to abortions. Full Story
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Attorney General Ken Paxton said this week that abortions should not be performed unless the mother's life is in danger, saying health care capacity needs to be preserved for COVID-19 patients. Full Story
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The lawsuit takes aim at towns that have declared themselves "sanctuary cities for the unborn." Full Story
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The anti-tax Club for Growth on Thursday backed the Fort Worth congresswoman's primary challenger, Chris Putnam, ensuring that the race will remain action-packed even after she secured the president's backing last month. Full Story
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Big Spring, Colorado City and Rusk are the three latest towns to vote in favor of such ordinances, which are of contested legality and enforceability. Full Story
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The Texas attorney general got a political gift in the form of a friendly request for his opinion: a chance to take a swipe at a political nemesis. Full Story
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A legal opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said that facilitating state employees' donations to Planned Parenthood falls under a 2019 state law prohibiting government entities from entering into "taxpayer resource transactions" with abortion providers or their affiliates. Full Story
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Five towns have passed ordinances aiming to outlaw abortion. Critics say a legal challenge is likely. Full Story
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A growing number of town councils have been passing abortion bans. Full Story
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On Tuesday night, the Austin City Council approved $150,000 for organizations that help women afford incidental costs like transportation, lodging and childcare when they seek an abortion. Full Story
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The Texas Pregnancy Care Network, the largest recipient of funding under the state's controversial Alternatives to Abortion program, is poised to receive millions more under the proposal. Full Story
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Starting in September, government agencies will no longer be able to provide anything of value to abortion providers or their affiliates. Opponents of the law fear it could mean the end of some public health and education programs across the state. Full Story
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Proposals to outlaw abortion after the first few weeks of a pregnancy failed in the Legislature this year, but Texas voters are receptive to the idea, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. A much clearer majority of Texans say parents should be required to have their kids vaccinated. Full Story
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Waskom declared itself a "sanctuary city for the unborn." City leaders acknowledged that the decision will likely lead to a lawsuit. Full Story
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The bill would prohibit such partnerships, even for services not related to abortions. Abortion rights advocates worry that the bill's broad language could even halt privately funded programs held on government property. Full Story
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The power of incumbency is more than raising money for campaigns and having a well-known political name. Changing the state's election laws — or even debating issues that resonate strongly with voters — can set the rules and frame the arguments for the next election cycle. Full Story
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Senate Bill 22 bars Texas governments from contracting with abortion providers or their affiliates — even for services like sexual health education and pregnancy prevention initiatives. Full Story
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Republicans in the Texas Senate passed the bill Thursday with the support of two Democrats. If the Texas House concurs with minor changes the Senate made to the measure, it will go to the governor. Full Story
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