US President Joe Biden condemned the most draconian anti-abortion law in the US that just went into effect in the state of Texas, which bans abortions from 6 weeks of age, without exception.
"This draconian law of Texas blatantly violates the constitutional right established by the Roe v. Wade lawsuit that has been considered a precedent for nearly half a century," - AFP news agency quoted him on September 1. Biden, referring to the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the U.S. Constitution protects pregnant women's freedom to choose to have an abortion without undue government restrictions.
Democrats, including former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, also criticized the Supreme Court for not acting to block the legislation.
Under Senate Bill 8 signed by Governor Greg Abbott in May 2021 and effective September 1, abortion is prohibited when a fetal heart is present, at about 6 weeks of age, without exception. cases such as rape and incest. It also allows people to sue abortion providers who break the law or who abet them.
Texas was the first state to ban abortion from the six-week mark. Previously, case law prevented states from banning abortions before the 22 to 24 week mark.
This is a draconian law because 85% of abortions in Texas take place after 6 weeks of pregnancy. It can also lead to a series of lawsuits and cause many abortion clinics to close.
"It's outrageous that it allows people to sue anyone they believe has helped someone else have an abortion, whether that's family members, healthcare workers, clinic receptionists or strangers who are not related to that individual," Biden said, noting that his administration is committed to protecting abortion rights.
According to abortion providers, the law hit women of color and income the most. It can force many people to go to other states for abortions or lead to cases of underground abortions.
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