**Bill May Soften Texas Abortion Ban But Still Limits Access**
Texas’s strict abortion ban, which prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, may be softened under a new bill that would extend the legal window to 20 weeks. However, the new bill still imposes significant restrictions on abortion access and would likely make it more difficult for many Texans to obtain the procedure.
The new bill, HB 3058, was introduced by Republican state Representative Shelby Slawson and has been approved by the Texas House of Representatives. It would take effect in September 2023 if signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, who has indicated his support for the bill.
Under HB 3058, abortions would be legal in Texas up to 20 weeks of pregnancy, a significant change from the current six-week ban. However, the bill would still require women seeking an abortion to undergo a mandatory counseling session and waiting period before the procedure. It would also ban abortions based on the race, sex, or disability of the fetus, and it would allow private citizens to sue anyone who performs or assists in an abortion after 20 weeks.
These restrictions would likely make it more difficult for many Texans to obtain an abortion. The mandatory counseling session and waiting period would create additional obstacles for women seeking the procedure, and the ban on abortions based on fetal characteristics would prevent women from terminating pregnancies for reasons related to the health or viability of the fetus. The private right of action provision would also create a chilling effect on abortion providers, making them less likely to perform the procedure for fear of being sued.
Despite the limitations it imposes, HB 3058 is being hailed by some as a step in the right direction. The bill’s supporters argue that it will reduce the number of abortions performed in Texas and that it will provide more support for pregnant women and families. However, critics of the bill argue that it is still too restrictive and that it will not adequately protect the rights of women to make decisions about their own bodies.
The debate over HB 3058 is likely to continue as the bill moves through the Texas Senate. It is unclear whether the bill will be amended or passed in its current form. However, one thing is clear: the battle over abortion rights in Texas is far from over.
**Here are some additional details about the bill:**
* The bill would allow abortions after 20 weeks in cases of medical emergency or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. However, the woman would be required to provide a sworn statement attesting to the circumstances of the pregnancy.
* The bill would not repeal the current six-week ban. Instead, it would create a new exception to the ban for abortions performed before 20 weeks.
* The bill would not require abortion providers to offer counseling or a waiting period for abortions performed before 20 weeks. However, it would allow individual abortion providers to choose to offer these services.
* The bill would not affect the state’s ban on abortions based on the race, sex, or disability of the fetus. However, it would repeal the provision that allows private citizens to sue anyone who performs or assists in an abortion after 20 weeks.
The bill is currently being considered by the Texas Senate. It is unclear whether the bill will be amended or passed in its current form. However, one thing is clear: the battle over abortion rights in Texas is far from over..
