Texas Woman Challenges Abortion Ban, Igniting Debate on Reproductive Rights

A pregnant Texas woman, Kate Cox, who learned that her baby has a fatal condition, is at the center of an unprecedented challenge over abortion bans in the state. While a Texas judge initially granted Cox permission to receive an abortion, the state's highest court has put that decision on hold. The Texas Supreme Court, made up of nine Republican justices, is now considering her case, which is believed to be the first since Roe v. Wade was overturned. Cox's lawsuit argues that her health is at risk and that inducing labor or carrying the baby to term could jeopardize her ability to have another child. The Texas Attorney General's office argues that Cox does not meet the requirements for a medical exception under the state's ban. Texas is one of 13 states that have rushed to ban abortion at nearly all stages of pregnancy after Roe was overturned.