EXPLAINER: The Texas abortion's law swift impact, and future
ABC News
Abortion providers in Texas say a new law banning most abortions in the state will result in clinics permanently closing unless a court acts in the coming weeks
AUSTIN, Texas -- A federal judge in October will hear the Biden administration's efforts to block Texas' new law banning most abortions, which is already putting a strain on clinics and patients in the two weeks since it took effect.
U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman, an appointee of President Barack Obama, will decide whether to grant a temporary hold that could allow Texas clinics to resume performing abortions on most patients. Currently under the new law, abortions in Texas are now prohibited once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity, usually around six weeks.
Supporters of the law known as Senate Bill 8 are preparing for a ruling that favors the Justice Department's challenge but believe the measure — the strictest abortion law in the nation — will ultimately be upheld.
Here are some questions and answers about what's next and the impact so far:
