What is going on in texas
Recently, in the news around reproductive rights and healthcare, Texas has been a hot topic. There is a critical lawsuit happening in Texas that could shape the way that reproductive care is offered, with state-level and national repercussions. The Zurawski lawsuit has recently been filed by five women who struggled to receive proper reproductive care in the state of Texas. Their lawsuit seeks to obtain a more clear and specific answer to the question of when an abortion can be obtained to save someone’s life or to prevent serious medical complications.
After Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was overturned last year, it allowed the states to regulate access to abortions, but they still remain legal in all 50 states when they are “medically necessary”. However, this term might seem a little vague to some–that is why Zurawski v. Texas aims for the court to clarify under what circumstances an abortion would be medically necessary. Currently, many doctors fear that their license may be suspended or sent to prison for life if they perform an abortion.
The plaintiffs in this case are being represented by private lawyers from the Center of Reproductive Rights. The president of the Center of Reproductive Rights said in a press conference, “We filed this lawsuit so that patients will not be hindered, delayed or denied necessary care — including abortion care.” This lawsuit is extremely important in clarifying the ambiguity that lies within Texas’ laws and to prevent womens’ lives from being at risk during pregnancy.
Sources
https://reproductiverights.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zurawski-v-State-of-Texas-Complaint.pdf
