Texas to decide Abortion Laws after Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

Today the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision on Dobbs v. Jackson to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that guaranteed federal constitutional protections of abortion rights. Because of the Supreme Court ruling, the decision to allow abortions now falls onto state governments to decide. The verdict is expected to lead to abortion restrictions in about half of the United States, including Texas.

Representative Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) responded this morning to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision.

“Today, a 61% majority of U.S. adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Today’s Supreme Court decision does not change that simple fact,” said Zwiener. “Texans deserve the right to make decisions about every aspect of their futures, including their plans to have families and careers. Restricting abortion rights means restricting the economic opportunity for millions of Texans and taking crucial health care decisions away from the people they impact most.”

According to Zwiener, all abortion in the state of Texas will be illegal 30 days after the Supreme Court’s decision.

“With federal protections for abortion access falling, state legislatures will be the ultimate decision-makers on reproductive health law,” said Zwiener. “Texas lawmakers passed a “trigger bill” last session that will make all abortion illegal 30 days after this decision, a devastating step backward. I’ll always work to defend this crucial right for the people of Texas and to undo these harmful laws.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott also released a statement supporting the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe V. Wade.

“Texas is a pro-life state, and we have taken significant action to protect the sanctity of life. Texas has also prioritized supporting women’s healthcare and expectant mothers in need to give them the necessary resources so that they can choose life for their child,” said Abbott. “I signed laws that extended Medicaid health care coverage to six months post-partum, appropriated $345 million for women’s health programs, and invested more than $100 million toward our Alternatives to Abortion program.”

Abbott said that the women’s health program provides counseling, mentoring, care coordination, and material assistance, such as car seats, diapers, and housing to mothers in need.

“Texas will always fight for the innocent unborn, and I will continue working with the Texas legislature and all Texans to save every child from the ravages of abortion and help our expectant mothers in need,” said Abbott.

In response to Roe V. Wade being overturned, U.S. President Joe Biden said he has directed the Health and Human Services Department to ensure abortion and contraception medications are available to women to “the fullest extent possible.” Additionally, his administration has plans to protect the right to travel to another state for an abortion and encourages Americans to vote.

“Voters need to make their voices heard. This fall [Roe v. Wade] is on the ballot,” said Biden. “Personal freedoms are on the ballot. The right to privacy, liberty, equality, they’re all on the ballot.”