Nation’s most restrictive abortion law back in Texas court

By PAUL J. WEBER
Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge is hearing arguments over whether Texas can leave in place the nation’s most restrictive abortion law. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman will consider whether to temporarily halt the law that bans abortions once cardiac activity is detected, which is usually around six weeks. That is before some women even know they’re pregnant. The law took effect in Texas in September. Abortion providers say in that short time Texas clinics have been put in danger of closing and women are driving hundreds of miles out of state to get care. The Biden administration has called the law unconstitutional and sued Texas last month. It’s unclear when the judge will decide whether to put the law on hold.