State lawmakers on Thursday gave final approval to legislation that would ban abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy and allow anyone to sue doctors and others who violate the guidelines.
The bill, a priority for Republicans this session, now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott for an expected signature. It would take effect on September 1.
Proponents hope that by turning enforcement of the new guidelines over to everyday citizens, rather than a government agency, they can avoid the legal delays that have come from so-called “heartbeat bills” in other red states.
Under the proposal, abortions would be prohibited once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can be as early as six weeks into pregnancy. Critics have noted that most women don’t know they’re pregnant at that point, meaning most abortions would be banned in the state if the new measure takes effect.
The Senate on Thursday accepted a House amendment that would prohibit rapists from suing their victims, although it does not specify whether they have to be convicted. Most sexual assaults are unreported.
Hundreds of doctors and lawyers have spoken out against the legislation in recent weeks, both in writing and in public testimony, warning it will create chaose in the court systems and block abortion access that is still federally protected.
Legal experts have also questioned the approach, saying it conflicts with constitutional limits on who has a right to sue, and could be struck down even by conservative judges.