Justice Department to Challenge Texas “Abortion Trafficker” Ordinances
The Justice Department (DOJ) has announced its intention to challenge ordinances passed in four Texas counties that criminalize “abortion trafficking,” or the act of assisting a pregnant woman in traveling to another state to obtain an abortion.
These ordinances, which are enforceable through private lawsuits, aim to curtail abortion access by punishing individuals who provide transportation or other support to women seeking the procedure in states where it remains legal.
Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta condemned the Texas ordinances, stating that states have no authority to criminalize the act of helping women obtain abortions in places where it is legal.
Key Points
- The Texas ordinances target individuals who provide transportation or other support to women seeking abortions in other states.
- The ordinances do not punish the women seeking abortions themselves.
- The Justice Department argues that the ordinances violate federal law and are unconstitutional.
- The DOJ intends to challenge the ordinances in court.
The Justice Department’s challenge to the Texas ordinances is likely to face strong opposition from anti-abortion activists. However, it could set a precedent that protects the ability of women to access abortion in states where it remains legal.
This case represents a significant development in the ongoing battle over abortion rights in the United States. It will be closely watched by legal experts and advocates on both sides of the issue.
The four Texas counties that have passed “abortion trafficker” ordinances are:
- Ector County
- Midland County
- Lubbock County
- Taylor County
The DOJ’s challenge to these ordinances is based on the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which states that federal law takes precedence over state law. The DOJ also argues that the ordinances violate the Constitution’s Commerce Clause and Fourteenth Amendment. The outcome of this case could have a significant impact on the availability of abortion services throughout the United States.
