Chaos in Texas as ‘Unprecedented’ Abortion Law Takes Effect

The law was novel and its success surprised even some in the anti-abortion movement.

The anti-abortion movement in Texas won a major victory Thursday after a novel legal approach to banning abortion was not blocked by the Supreme Court, throwing abortion services across the state into chaos and prompting some women to leave the state for procedures. The Supreme Court refused just before midnight on Wednesday to block the law prohibiting abortions after cardiac activity is detected — usually about six weeks of pregnancy. Now the measure, which was signed into law in May, will run its course in the lower courts. Its unique legal structure, though, means it will likely remain in effect for the duration of the legal battle. The law deputizes ordinary citizens to sue anyone who “aids or abets” an abortion, and abortion clinics were bracing for an onslaught of lawsuits. Instead, what seemed to be happening on Thursday was near-complete compliance with the law without a single suit yet filed. The largest anti-abortion group in the state, Texas Right to Life, said it had received “a couple of voice mail messages,” and some tips on its website that did not pan out. But overall, the movement was pleased that abortions had practically stopped.