The Troubling Reality of Texas' Abortion Law and Emergency Medical Exceptions
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNN
The wording of Texas' near-total abortion ban is causing confusion and endangering patients, as emergency medical exceptions are extremely rare and ill-defined. The recent case of Kate Cox, who sought an abortion due to a fatal fetal condition, highlights the lack of clarity in the law. The Texas Supreme Court ruled against Cox, prompting concerns about who qualifies for a medical emergency exception. Only 34 abortions have been performed in the state this year, all in hospitals, compared to over 53,000 in 2020. Reproductive health advocates argue that the exceptions are being made only in dire cases, while rates of severe maternal morbidity and infant deaths have increased in Texas. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns that the law will worsen health disparities and maternal mortality rates. The court has called on the Texas Medical Board to provide more guidance, but critics argue that the vagueness may be intentional to discourage abortions. Doctors face potential legal consequences for authorizing or facilitating abortions, leaving them vulnerable.