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Protest before the Supreme Court in December 2021: The abortion law in Texas is still in force
Photo: imago stock / imago images/NurPhoto
The number of abortions in the US state of Texas has fallen significantly after the enactment of a much-criticised abortion law.
While around 5,400 abortions were reported to the authorities for August 2021, there were just under 2,200 in September - a drop of 60 percent.
The Texas health authority released the numbers on its website earlier this week.
The strict abortion law came into force on September 1, 2021 in the conservative-governed state.
Data for the following months were not yet available.
The law, known as the "Heartbeat Act," bans abortions once the fetus's heartbeat has been detected.
This can happen as early as the sixth week of pregnancy.
Many women do not even know at this point that they are pregnant.
There was a legal tug-of-war over the law – it had been challenged several times in court.
In December, the US Supreme Court ruled that the law can remain in force.
With its decision, however, the Supreme Court allowed lawsuits against it.
Legal trick
What is unusual about the law is that it allows private individuals to take civil action against anyone who assists with an abortion.
This legal trick also makes it particularly difficult to go against the law in court.
According to a landmark ruling by the US Supreme Court in 1973, abortions are actually permitted until the fetus is viable – today around the 24th week of pregnancy.
However, this decision could also be overturned – a ruling from the Supreme Court is expected this year.
For abortion clinics in Texas, the "heartbeat" law means legal uncertainties.
Many stop offering abortions after the sixth week for fear of lawsuits.
For the women affected, this means that they often have to travel long distances to find a clinic in other states.
atb/dpa
