Texas Bans Abortions After Six Weeks, Allows Civilians to Sue Abortion Providers

A “heartbeat” abortion bill in the state of Texas has taken effect, effectively banning all abortions after six weeks.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill back in May, though it only took effect Wednesday at midnight after the Supreme Court failed to act on an emergency appeal that would have temporarily blocked the law’s implementation.

The Associated Press has called the law “the most dramatic restriction on abortion rights in the United States since the high court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision.” Several other states have passed similar laws before, but judges have blocked them while lawsuits proceed through the court system.

Texas’ law is unique because it allows civilians to sue abortion providers, procurers, and anyone else who assists in the process.