U.S. Justice Dept. Sues Texas Over New Abortion Bill

Austin TX

09 September, 2021

3:24 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — The U.S. Justice Department is officially suing Texas over its newly enacted Abortion Bill, which took effect last week. The lawsuit, which was filed Thursday in a federal court in Texas, is the first significant step by the Biden administration to fight the nation's most restrictive ban on abortion. Senate Bill 8, also known as SB8, prohibits abortions once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity — usually around six weeks, before some women know they're pregnant. The bill took effect last week making it the most restrictive law on abortions in the country. Live in Austin? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. While Courts have blocked other states from imposing similar restrictions, the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 vote last week in the bill's favor. The reason — Texas' law differs because it leaves enforcement to private citizens through civil lawsuits instead of criminal prosecutors. According to the lawsuit, the Justice Department is suing the state over its new law that bans most abortions, arguing that it was enacted "in open defiance of the Constitution." It goes forth asking a federal judge to declare that the law is invalid, "to enjoin its enforcement, and to protect the rights that Texas has violated, " according to the Associated Press. "The act is clearly unconstitutional under long-standing Supreme Court precedent," Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a news conference announcing the suit. He said the Justice Department is also concerned other states could enact similar laws that would "deprive their citizens of their constitutional rights." Live in Austin? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. RELATED COVERAGE:In 5-4 Vote, Supreme Court Leaves Texas Abortion Law In Place Feds To Protect Abortion Seekers In Texas: Department Of Justice Bumble Creates Relief Fund As Texas Abortion Law Takes Effect