Bill clamping down on abortion pills nears Gov. Abbott's desk

Texas House passes bill targeting abortion pills

The Texas House passed a bill that would allow private citizens to sue anyone who makes, distributes or mails abortion medication to Texas. House Bill 7 still needs Senate approval before going to Gov. Greg Abbott, who made this a Special Session priority.

AUSTIN - The Texas House passed a bill that would allow private citizens to sue anyone who makes, distributes or mails abortion medication to Texas.

House Bill 7 still needs Senate approval before going to Gov. Greg Abbott, who made this a Special Session priority.

Abortion pill bill passes House

Texas already has a near-total abortion ban, and this bill is another step to restrict out-of-state medical providers from facilitating abortions in Texas through medications.

State Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano) is passionate about HB 7, the bill he authored to further tighten abortion access in Texas. 

During the second Special Session, Abbott called on the legislature to do just that.

In this case, HB 7 would empower citizens to sue medical providers and other out-of-state people who send abortion pills to Texas recipients. 

What they're saying:

"There are thousands, millions of Texas girls who are counting on us to pass this bill and fight for their right to life," said Leach. 

"I am proud of this compassionate legislation in front of you. This is going to save lives of baby boys and baby girls," said Leach.

Abortion pill lawsuits

Dig deeper:

The Republican priority would allow pressure from civil courts, including a $100,000 payout if a lawsuit plaintiff is successful.

Democrats say it's about creating more fear.

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